“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

A beautiful, unique sunset softly whispers that God is here with us, His creation.

This world tries to make us “fit in”. We are bombarded with advertising and media which says we “don’t belong” if we don’t look a certain way or participate in the right activities or have the right friends. We begin to evaluate ourselves by how others perceive us. But God tells us, “For the Lord does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” I Samuel 16:7b The world looks at our outward persona and judges us as to whether we are “conforming”. But God looks at our heart and longs for us to be “transformed”, not of this world, but into one of His own.

For too many years, as a young adult, I worried about what other people thought of me. I tried to be the most dedicated educator for the principal and other teachers at school, the best teacher for the parents of the children in my classroom, the perfect spouse for my husband’s family and friends. It was exhausting and not very satisfying. The only place I felt I could be myself was alone with my husband, close friends, and with the children I taught.

When my children came along, there were new pressures and “keeping up appearances”. I have to admit, that as one of the “older” mothers, I even began dyeing my hair to cover the little bit of grey I had. The Lord is still laughing at me for that one! I quit coloring my hair when Sarah was out of elementary school and it is still brown with just a small mix of grey.

As I got older and really started putting God first in my life, I began my heart’s transformation. I spent more time reading God’s word and praying and trying to be the woman I thought God wanted me to be, not the woman the world expected me to be. So much les exhausting! I am still transforming, still renewing, still proving what is God’s “good and acceptable and perfect will”.

We are not to “be conformed” to this world, but we are a part of it. But as we discern God’s will for us, how can we help those around us and the world we live in? Each of us has different skills and gifts, how do we use those to live out God’s will for our lives? These are questions that only each of us can answer for ourselves. I am attempting to “prove” God’s will for my life with my writing. How will you respond to God’s will for your life?

This week let’s all try to be “transformers” and not “conformers”. (Sorry, but who is picturing the kids toys of the 80’s and 90’s, those robots that could change into cars or trucks or other machines?) Let’s continue our journey with the Lord and find his will for our lives.

I thank God for each of you! And I thank you for joining me this week to explore the transformation of our hearts.