THREE STEPS TO GOODNESS

READING: ROMANS 12:2-8

Verse 2: “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” 

There are times when it is not enough to merely be removed from a destructive situation. Sometimes more than removal is needed to achieve wellbeing. Here is an example. Ed was a member of an Arctic exploration team. The ice collapsed beneath him and he plunged into the frigid water. With help Ed promptly escaped from the water, but he had no dry clothes or shelter available. As the result he was the victim of exposure. Just getting out of the water wasn’t enough for Ed, he needed more. The verse above counsels us to be both un-conformed and transformed. It was not enough for Ed to only get out of the water, and it isn’t enough for people to only cease to conform to the world. Although that is an important first step, just that step alone falls short of what it takes to fully receive the goodness that the Lord provides. We need more and He provides it. To those who are no longer conformed to the world, He adds renewed minds. Then through those renewed minds, He completes their transformations. They become un-conformed, renewed and transformed people! As such they are able to fully participate in the goodness of God’s plan for their lives. That’s a thought – about God’s Word.

RESPONSE

1. When have you seen someone get started but fail to complete all the steps?

2. What would be evidence of a renewed mind?