We’ve just wrapped up the letter “T” in our preschool alphabet study. The word that’s come to mind is TRANSFORMED, a word that the apostle Paul wrote about in the book of Romans.
Romans 12:2, New International Version (NIV)
2 Do not conform 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.
I found it easiest to really grasp the meaning of the term not as much by it’s definition but more by the synonyms that mirror it’s meaning. Read the following and you’ll see what I mean.
transform, metamorphose, transmute, convert, transmogrify,transfigure means to change a thing into a different thing.
transform implies a major change in form, nature, or function <transformed a small company into a corporate giant>.
metamorphose suggests an abrupt or startling change induced by or as if by magic or a supernatural power<awkward girls metamorphosed into graceful ballerinas>
.transmute implies transforming into a higher element or thing <attempted to transmute lead into gold>.
convert implies a change fitting something for a new or different use or function <converted the study into a nursery>.
transmogrify suggests a strange or preposterous metamorphosis <a story in which a frog is transmogrifiedinto a prince>.
transfigure implies a change that exalts or glorifies <joy transfigured her face>. source: http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/transform
A short video clip to encourage you: Transformed.
I found a commentary on the term and the writer discussed that what Paul really meant by the word transformed in this scripture is closer to the word “metamorphosis”. Metamorphosis is also the scientific term that describes the transformation that takes place when a catepiller morphs in to a butterfly.
The change is so dramatic one can hardly recognize the new creature from the previous living being. I think what Paul was writing about also asks us to change from something that is recognizable to something so different we capture the attention of those around us. From something “ordinary” to something of extraordinary BEAUTY. Not the physical, outward beauty but the inward beauty that pleases God. If we have peace and grace and patience we stand out from the rest. Our countenance becomes a thing of beauty.
So much of what we do as moms is MUNDANE. And most of it is not pretty. But what we’re striving for is to create an atmosphere of BEAUTY in our lives and in our homes– to metamorphasize {almost by super natural power} the surroundings in which we live and our very heart and soul.
Paul was also saying that to transform our inner selves, and thus our very lives, we must RENEW our minds so that we can be TRASNFORMED.
renewing present participle of re·new (Verb)
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Verb
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This week I encourage you to take note of the transformation that has taken place in your heart and soul as a mom and the transformation taking place in your children. What an awesome privilidge we have as moms to make an impact or our children’s transformation. Not just on their outward appearance but on their values, beliefs and character. Our love and nurturing of their souls will have an impact for eternity.
To do this well, the scripture tells us we need to renew our minds. It’s an action that involves returning to the activity of transforming ourselves after an interruption {we get those all the time don’t we?}. Renewing takes focus. Like the definition states it’s like restablishing a relationship.
I pray you can carve out a bit of time this week to renew your mind so you can be transformed into all that God has created you to be. May we find beauty in the everyday things and be transformed both inside and out.
In His Grip,
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