Sometimes as Christians we complicate so many things. We are constantly trying to figure out what the will of God is for our lives. Now I haven't figured it all out myself but I will always try to pursue it. Our group discussed many things about what was and wasn't the will of God. It was a very interesting discussion that brought out some thoughts as our group seems to do quite often but I'm not writing this to talk about that. What I want to write about is how the will of God and transforming go hand in hand. Sometimes we look at something that happens in our past and wonder if that was the will of God. At that point it's too late to change even if it was God's will. I'm not going to get into a whole bunch of scriptures or examples of things in the Bible that were the will of God. What about God's will for our future? What I want to get into is how to work on knowing the will of God in our lives. This is no great revelation that we haven't heard before. The problem is that we take for granted the simplest of scriptures and basic principles of truth and never really put into action those principles. I really believe God is a simple God. His Word gives us simple answers to our questions. Now I admit that His answer may be simple but the 'doing' is not as simple. That's why we need to focus on Him and His Word, day and night as much as possible. Sorry. Let me get back to my point.

How do we become 'Transformers'? Rom.12: 1, 2 - I beseech you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God to present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, pleasing to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, in order to prove by you what is that good and pleasing and perfect will of God. Verse 1 talks about presenting our bodies as living sacrifices to please God. This basically means to offer, surrender, lose and give up your body as a form of worship to him. Verse 2 says not to conform to this world which means not to be like the world. Then it follows by telling us to 'transform', which means to change or transfigure, by the renewing of our mind to prove His perfect will. Renew means to renovate, restore, rebuild and make like new. Mind means thought, feeling, will, intellect and understanding. Prove means to discern examine and allow. Perfect means complete. Will means desire, pleasure and purpose. Let's put this together in another way:

"Don't do things the way the world does them but change yourself by changing your understanding and your thoughts with new thoughts (God's ways) so that you will allow and examine God's complete purpose and pleasure.

You see we all need to change the way we think and it has to be a change towards Christ. Many of us change the way we think but we change for the negative. Normally that's when we start thinking selfishly. That's definitely not God. We also have those that say

'This is who I am and I'm not going to change for anybody'. Those people will always have the same issues and obviously will never change. The only true transformation is through Jesus Christ and positive influences. We need to spend time with Him and learn His word so that you know how He thinks and how He lives. Have you ever spent time with someone so much that you actually started to say things that person says or even know how that person was going to react or think. It happens all the time with me and my wife. Sometimes it's freaky when one of us says something and the other was just thinking about the same thing. That's why it's very important to surround ourselves with positive people as part of our transformation. There is a Spanish saying that is translated 'Tell me who you hang out with and I'll tell you who you are' (I probably messed that one up but you get my drift) that could be positive or negative. This is so true. Life is always changing so we need to change also. We should always be maturing because if we don't we will struggle even more. We feel stuck. That's why we need to always change. The old saying is 'change is good'. Although that is not always true, change is necessary. Some people say that the definition of insanity is to do something the same way all the time but expect a different result. I know I messed that one up also but you get my drift.

Transforming happens in the mind first. Any negative thoughts that keep you depressed and worried are not from God and you must ask God to help during those times. Call a close friend that will encourage you and help you take your mind of those things that are negative. I know it's easier said then done but it's where our faith grows and true transformation takes place. Are you a 'Transformer'? I will end this article with something very important that Paul said in Philippians 4: 6-9

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God which passes all understanding shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Finally, my brothers, whatever things are true, whatever things are honest, whatever things are right, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely and whatever things are of good report; if there is any virtue and if there is any praise, think on these things.Do those things which you have also learned and received and heard and seen in me. And the God of peace shall be with you.

How many times do you think on those things?