«Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind» (Romans 12:2).
I ADMIRE the works of Mexican artist Pedro Reyes. Several years ago, he became actively committed to decreasing the high rate of violence in Ciudad Juarez, Mexico, and organized a campaign for people to hand in their guns. He would turn them into musical instruments. The artist has received close to seven thousand handguns, shotguns, assault rifles, machine guns, pistols, hunting rifles, grenade launchers. . . the awful sound of those instruments of death has given way to the melody of marimbas, basses, guitars, flutes, and tambourines. What an incredible transformation!
When I read about Mr. Reyes’s work, I was reminded of this powerful statement: «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» (Romans 12:2). Two ways of life: be conformed or be transformed. Satan and the world try to make us conform; God’s plan is to transform us.
The Greek verb Paul used to talk about transformation is a passive imperative, which cannot be translated into English by using only one word. The idea of the verb is that God gives us a command, but we don’t take an active part in executing it; in other words, God commands us to transform ourselves, but God Himself is the agent of transformation. It’s a command that becomes a promise for us. We are the firearm and He is the heavenly Artist that will transform us in such a way that each of us will be made into an instrument of life.
The way Ellen G. White expresses this truth is worth reflecting: «The world is a workshop in which, through the cooperation of human and divine agencies, Jesus is making experiments by his grace and divine mercy upon human hearts. Angels are amazed as they behold the transformation of character brought about in those who yield themselves to God, and they express their joy in songs of rapturous praise to God and to the Lamb. They see those who are by nature the children of wrath, converted, and becoming laborers together with Christ in drawing souls to God. They see those who were in darkness becoming lights to shine amid the moral night of this crooked and perverse generation.»
Do not be conformed to this world. Allow God to change who you are as an individual and allow Him to transform your mind. By doing this, you will not only experience abundant peace but you will also make your Creator happy.
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Taken from: Devotional Readings for Adults 2023
“I AM WITH YOU”
From: J. VLADIMIR POLANCO
Collaborators: Lorina Maya & Angelica Cuate
