“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind…” (Rom. 12:2 NKJ).
A lady came home from a revival meeting and cheerfully announced to her agnostic husband, “I have been born again.” In contempt he snarled these words at her: “You have lost your mind!” She lovingly responded, “You’re right! Now I have the mind of Christ.”
She was sharing with him that her whole way of thinking had been changed as a result of her conversion.
One of the key words in this verse is “transformed.” In the original Greek text it is metamorphoo (met-am-or-of’-o). The interesting thing about metamorphoo is that it is the same word used to describe the change Jesus underwent going up the mount of transfiguration (Matt. 17:2).
As Jesus ascended the mountain. His clothing became as white as light and His face shone with a dazzling glory as bright as the sun. He was transfigured (metamorphoo) or transformed.
What happened to Jesus was a drastic and dramatic change from His former condition. Here in Romans, Paul is urging you and me to undergo the same process.
In 2 Corinthians 3:18 Paul writes: “But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed (metamorphoo) into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord” (NKJ).
The radiance Jesus demonstrated on the mount of transfiguration is resident within us by the indwelling Spirit of God. As our hearts and minds respond to His dealings, we, too, are being transfigured or transformed.
Excerpt permission granted by Harrison House Publishers
Dick Mills was ordained at The International Church of the Foursquare Gospel in 1949. He and his wife Betty traveled as evangelists all over the United States, Canada, Mexico, Latin America, Europe, and Australia. Dick and Betty are now home in heaven.
In 1966 Dick and Betty became a part of the then-emerging Charismatic Renewal. Passing through all denominational barriers, Dick has had the opportunity to speak in thousands of churches of varied backgrounds all over the world.
He ministered within several Christian organizations, including the Full Gospel Business Men, Women's Aglow, Inter-church Renewal Catholic Pentecostals, mainline Charismatic groups, CBN and TBN television networks, and many other independent Christian TV stations.
Dick appeared on numerous radio talk shows, written several magazine articles, and spoke at many Bible conferences and universities. He served as an adjunct professor at six Schools of the Bible and Seminaries.
In addition, Dick authored and co-authored several books and tapes. Dick's ministry was characterized by the unique gifts God has blessed him with. His services informed, enlightened, and motivated people to a higher level of commitment to God.