By Mike Seale

“Metamorphoo” or “metamorphosis” is the Greek word Paul uses in Romans 12:2 to call for change in the way we think. It means to change into another form, to transfigure. Perhaps Paul was thinking about how Christ was changed in his appearance with “divine brightness” on the mount of transfiguration (Mark 9:2-9 Luke 9:28-36).

Paul “urges,” pleads with us to be transformed by renewing our minds. Like a caterpillar into a butterfly. May our minds be transfigured with divine brightness. Change our thinking.

Both Jesus and Paul call for a change in the way we think (cognitive therapy if you will). I don’t mean to reduce their teaching to therapeutic terminology, but rather to point out that they called for us to change the way we think and the way we behave (John 8:11). Go your way and leave your life of sin, STOP doing what is fragmenting your life.

The Holy Spirit, our “Counselor,” the author of the Bible, the One GOD, the Father has deposited in us (Eph.1:13-14), the One whom Jesus sent (John 16:7) who is “transforming us into His likeness with ever-increasing glory,” (2 Cor.3:18). How’s that for some “divine brightness.”

The Challenge for us is to STOP thinking the way the world and culture thinks, and START thinking with the mind of the Holy Spirit! STOP being “stiff-neck” and resisting the Holy Spirit,” (Acts 7:51). STOP “quenching” or “putting out the Spirit’s fire” in regard to “prophecies” or His teachings (1 Thess. 5:19-20). STOP “grieving” the Holy Spirit (Eph.4:30) and be submissive to His urging, prompting, leading, and conviction in your life. Be quiet, be still and listen to what HE is saying to you.

Since I’m so emphatic with my message today, let me end on a lighter note with the humorous video below.