Enforcing You: Activating Your Kingdom Identity in ChristНамуна

“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 12:2 NKJV

The word "conform" means “comply with rules, standards or laws, to behave according to socially acceptable standards, to be similar in form or type.” It is true that the world has standards that mold us into its “form” which gives us social “rules.” However, the original Greek word here means, “to fashion one’s self (mind and character).” It denotes the idea of an internal fashioning or development of character. In other words, the word conform is referring to a molding of your identity. This means it is not just about the world around me, but rather it is also about the “world” within me.

Let’s be honest, sometimes the most difficult patterns to overcome are the ones that have been established in our own minds and hearts. But God says that these patterns can be transformed. 

The word transform comes from the Greek word, “metamorphoo” which means, “to change into another form, to transform, or transfigure.” This Greek word is where we get the word metamorphosis, which refers to the transformational process an insect or amphibian goes through as it matures into an adult form. Biologically this physical transformation forces a change in behavior and environment. 

Consider a caterpillar that has gone through the transformation process of becoming a butterfly (metamorphosis) and no longer has the same form. Additionally, it also has completely different behaviors and is found in new environments (the air instead of the ground). If we saw a butterfly crawling and never flying, we would say it butterfly wasn’t living to its fullest potential. Instead of being renewed, it has remained stuck and conformed to the pattern of caterpillar, despite its transformation. 

So, what about you?  Do you think the way you did when you were broken? Do you react to old wounds or are you easily “triggered?” Or perhaps you struggle with fear and insecurity instead of confidence and boldness. Is it possible that you are crawling when you have been given wings to soar?

If so, it is time to renew your mind. Note that the word “renew” is a verb. This means it requires action. Although you have been given the mind of Christ, you must actively engage in working to change your old patterns of thinking. To “renew” means “to make new again.” I need this every day! I need to reset my mind to what is true and start soaring by the Holy Spirit instead of being grounded by my flesh. 

Let’s start now. Declare this with me, “I declare that I have been given the power to soar above the patterns of my past. I receive the wings of the Holy Spirit and declare that today I will think and live according to my new creation, which is the likeness of Christ. As He is, so I am!”