Are You a Nut?

Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.
Romans 12:2 (ESV)

What pressures confront you right now?

When you crack open the shell of a nut, the kernel inside will always be conformed to the shape of its shell. The pressure of the shell on the outside shapes the nut on the inside into its image. In Romans 12:2, believers are commanded not to allow the world to form us according to its pattern and instead to be transformed from the inside out.

The word “transformation” in this verse comes from the word metamorphosis. Have you ever seen a beautiful butterfly emerge from its cocoon? What emerges looks nothing like the tiny cave it has been wrapped in for weeks. Why? Because it has been transformed, not conformed. The cocoon is merely a temporary dwelling place while the real change happens from the inside. As the caterpillar’s very makeup is changed, it takes on a different form.

 As we face pressure and temptation, our inner lives can take the shape of our environment. We begin to look like the sexualization, greed, idolatry, and consumerism surrounding us.

 Does a caterpillar decide to become a butterfly? Does it work to transform itself? Of course not. It merely allows God to do His work. Transformation is something that we cannot do ourselves; it is a process of the Spirit that we surrender to daily.

Amidst life’s pressures, we must allow Him to reshape our minds daily into His image through His Word. God promises that when we do this, we will be able to know His good, pleasing, and perfect will.

Are you being conformed or transformed? Rest in God’s presence today and allow Him to transform you from the inside out.

Prayer: Father, there are so many pressures in this life. Sometimes the temptation to conform is imperceptible and at times, overwhelming. But I know that it is Your will to form my character into the image of Your son, Jesus. Remind me to rely on Your strength today for whatever challenges I face. I praise You because You are enough. You are all I need. In Jesus’ name, Amen.