Day 2: Real Transformers

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. (Romans 12:2, NIV)
---

This verse has changed my life. I can't begin to explain the depth that these simple words bring in this seriously uncertain world. If you haven't read through Romans in a while, go read the whole chapter. Romans 12 has been like a rock star of encouragement in my life.

First of all, God's plan for our lives could perhaps be described as unusual or maybe atypical at least. Paul's instruction is pretty straightforward here; don't conform to the world's deal. Following Christ's lead is going to look pretty different. In fact, it's going to look completely different.

I don't know how many of you are or have ever been Transformers fans. When I was little I had those toys which would transform back and forth between the vehicle and the robot. You could twist a few things here and there, unfold this and that, and suddenly the fire truck or the bulldozer or whatever would become a little humanoid robot. It was pretty cool and eventually you could get the transformation down and get the toy transformed quickly. But the show was even cooler. While the toys never looked quite perfect in either transformed state, in the show transforming was like night and day. The robots from space would hide perfectly among the humans as a normal car, truck, plane, or whatever.

I think that Transformers isn't too far away from what Paul had in mind (I'm sure someone has used this illustration before). The kind of transformation that comes from taking leaps of faith with Christ is like going from truck to alien robot.

And this transformation is directly correlated with God's will. As we become transformed we are inundated with God's ultimate plan. This plan is good, it brings joy, and there is nothing greater. That doesn't mean we are always sure of what the next step is. Following in Christ's footsteps is not just like taking a short stroll on a beach with clearly marked footprints where He walked. Many times it is a lot more like following the hero in a non-stop action movie. Following Christ often takes us out third floor windows without looking and busting down doors with villains lurking around every corner. It's scary and it's tough, but it's also the ultimate experience.

When I think about the incredible uncertainty about the future that I'm experiencing in my own life right now, I try to remember that as long as I stick with God, I'm here to live out His will. Even the outcome of this forty day project is uncertain. For all I know, I may not have forty days left!

Let's do some transforming. What does it look like to stop conforming to the world's "pattern?" That's what we are here to find out. See you tomorrow.