“Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect” (Romans 12:2).
Personal Relationship
Christianity is a personal relationship with King Jesus made possible through his sacrificial death on our behalf. When we choose to become citizens of his eternal kingdom, our identity and worldview should increasingly be shaped by the love of God and the Word of God.
Following Jesus involves continually asking the Spirit of God to guide our thoughts and actions. As we intentionally set our hearts and minds “on things above”… putting off the old self and putting on the new self (Colossians 3)… a transformation takes place inside us.
This “cosmic conversion” is largely a transformation of our character… an altering of our values and orientation… a renovation of the motives and priorities that guide our choices.
Over time, we discover that we’re being transformed from the inside out as God reprograms our “control center.” Or, as Paul says in Ephesians 4:22-24, we’re “being made new in the attitude of our minds.”
Godly Character
A key component of godly character is self-control. This manifestation of maturity recognizes that we are more than a set of desires to be satisfied or a set of opinions to be expressed. Our choices should be increasingly informed by God’s will which is “good and pleasing and perfect.”
But this transformation doesn’t happen accidentally or against our will. It requires consistent effort and a reorientation of our lives. As we “seek first the kingdom of God,” the Spirit draws us into a deeper relationship with Jesus. And the more time we spend with him, the more we reflect his character.
“Make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 1:5-8).
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