Reference no: EM134012258

Question

In the Bible, Romans Chapter 12, verse 2, Paul writes, " Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is-his good, pleasing and perfect will". I italicized two words "transformed" and "renewing". The Greek for transformed is the root of our word metamorphosis. A step by step change in form like a caterpillar becoming a butterfly. Paul is talking about changing- getting away from those things in our life that harm us, cause us to make bad decisions, and prevent us from fully enjoying God's love and desire for us to lead rich full lives. Maybe its the same as Maslov's "self-actualization" in Biblical terms? Perhaps learned adult behaviors or childhood issues and events that hang on to us and impact our decision making, emotions, relationships etc (you fill in the blank) are transformable? Then look at the word "renewing" which translates to a replacement of the old with new. It suggests that God doesn't expect us to be... "BANG" entirely new and wonderful when we become Christian. Rather it is a process of gradually replacing some old harmful attitudes with new, healthy, beneficial, Godly attitudes and thoughts. The verse makes clear Gods desire for us is perfect and good. We'd all like that.

What do you think? Is this God's plan for restoring and renewing our lives? Is this how we can go about- with a lot of help from God- shaking off our dysfunction, depression, anxiety or whatever-even the little pesky habits we'd like to shed- and moving into a much more healthy and joyful lifestyle and experience life as God's person? What attitudes and dispositions would you like to change? Without getting inappropriately personal- no embarrassment required here- comment on God's plan of action described in this verse. What do you think? We all know people who have allowed God to make remarkable changes in their lives. And we know Christians who continue to struggle with deep issues that never seem to get resolved. How do we do this metamorphosis thing? I'd like to try it....how about you?