Transformed from the Inside
Romans 12:1-2
We were entirely ready to have God remove these defects of character.
How many times have we wished that we could be someone else? Perhaps part of the reason we act out our addictions is because we can't stand ourselves. Self-hatred is often associated with addictive/compulsive personalities. If we don't like who we are, it's reassuring to know that we can change dramatically.
The apostle Paul wrote, "Present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God" (Romans 12:1-2, NKJV).
The words conformed and transformed describe processes that happen to things that are changeable or unstable. In this case, we are the changeable things in mind. Conformed refers to an outward change to make one thing appear like another. Transformed describes a change from the inside out. It comes from the same word that describes a caterpillar changing into a butterfly.
We all have great potential for change. We've tried to change our outward behavior and found that it doesn't last. As we yield ourselves to God in the cocoon of the recovery process, he will renew our minds. He will begin to remove our defects of character, transforming us inwardly so that it affects both our character and our behavior.
God has good, pleasing, and perfect plans for us, his children.
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