Transformed

Mikey Powers   -  

Our Goal as Christ followers should be to be transformed into the image of Jesus by seeking God’s Will through His Word.

When I think about the world today and how it’s filled with distractions and competing priorities, finding time to connect with God can often feel like a challenge. Yet, for those seeking to deepen their faith and grow closer to God, there is no substitute for regular engagement with His Word. Romans 12:1-2 provides a blueprint for this transformative journey, urging believers to renew their minds and discern God’s perfect will. Today, we’ll explore how immersing ourselves in Scripture can lead to profound spiritual growth and how a simple object lesson can serve as a reminder of the power of God’s Word in our lives.

Embracing God’s Will

Romans 12:1-2 calls us to present our bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God, by renewing our minds. This process of renewal begins with a commitment to seek God’s will each day through His Word. Here are three practical steps inspired by this passage:

  1. Daily Devotion: Just as we nourish our bodies with food, we must nourish our spirits with the Word of God. Set aside time each day for prayer and Scripture reading. Make it a priority, even if it means waking up a little earlier or disconnecting from technology for a while. As you engage with Scripture, ask God to open your heart and mind to His truths.
  1. Reflective Meditation: Reading the Bible is not merely about acquiring knowledge but allowing God’s Word to penetrate our hearts and transform our lives. Take time to meditate on key passages, allowing them to sink deep into your soul. Consider journaling your thoughts and insights, allowing the Holy Spirit to guide your reflections.
  1. Application in Action: The true test of our faith is not in what we know but how we live. As you encounter God’s truth in Scripture, ask yourself: How can I apply this to my life today? Seek opportunities to demonstrate love, kindness, and humility in your interactions with others. Let your actions reflect the transformative power of God’s Word at work within you.

I am not one that is good at illustrating how to embody and live in what I am calling us to live in, however, to illustrate the importance of immersing ourselves in God’s Word, consider using a simple sponge and water. Consider a dry sponge. This sponge represents our minds and hearts when they are devoid of God’s Word—brittle, rigid, and unable to absorb anything of value. The emphasis is on its inability to absorb or produce. It is only when you fully submerge the sponge in a basin of water, that it performs what it is designed to do. As the sponge becomes saturated,  you can see how it becomes pliable, flexible, and capable of holding and releasing water.

Likewise, when we immerse ourselves in Scripture, our minds and hearts become saturated with God’s truth. We become more receptive to His guidance, more resilient in the face of trials, and more equipped to pour out His love to others. Encourage your audience to keep this visual image in mind as they commit to seeking God’s will through His Word each day.

As the world continues to be filled with noise and distraction, the call to seek God’s will through His Word remains as relevant and transformative as ever. As we commit to daily devotion, reflective meditation, and practical application, we open ourselves to the renewing work of the Holy Spirit in our lives. My prayer for you all is that you would seek this journey of transformation, trusting that as we immerse ourselves in God’s Word, we will be continually conformed to the image of Christ, becoming living testimonies of His grace and love to the world around us.