Transformed by the Word

Romans 12:2 - "Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is–his good, pleasing and perfect will." Keep Reading...

Ephesians 5:26 - "…to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word."

The Word of God is not meant to stir our intellects. It is meant to transform our lives. It is not meant to warm our hearts toward God, but rather wash our lives and make us holy. Does God speak to our minds through his Word? Yes. Does he fill us with his joy and peace as we read? Sometimes, yes. But, what is the ultimate aim of God's Word? Transformation.

How do you read God's Word and see this work of transformation (to make you more like Jesus) accomplished in your life? It has everything to do with how you USE it. James 1:22 says, "Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says."

To learn a new language, you would be instructed to learn a few new phrases and then use it a lot. The more you use the new words, the more they will become part of you and your everyday language. So too with God's Word. Read a little, use a lot. It is in the application or obedience to God's Word that real life change comes.

During each reading of God's Word, be asking the Holy Spirit how you can obey him. You might need to go back and look several times at the Scripture. Keep asking God for your obedience step. Don't go away without it. If you don't practice the application of God's Word, it will simply be another textbook on your shelf.

Application
Read James 1:19-21.
What is God saying to you about the way you live or speak?
How can you specifically obey him today?
Take a moment to pray and commit to God that you will obey him.