Inside Out (from 31 Days of Encouragement – Laura)

“AND DO NOT BE CONFORMED TO THIS WORLD, BUT BE TRANSFORMED BY THE RENEWING OF YOUR MIND, THAT YOU MAY PROVE WHAT THE WILL OF GOD IS, THAT WHICH IS GOOD AND ACCEPTABLE AND PERFECT.” Romans 12:2

The beauty of transformation is perfectly pictured in the metamorphosis of the butterfly. The third stage of the butterfly’s lifecycle is called the pupa stage where it is resting and undergoing a complete change from the inside out. It will become a gorgeous winged insect, beautiful in appearance, bringing glory to its Creator.

Similarly, God says we are to be transformed by the renewing of our minds. This renewing is an ongoing work of the Holy Spirit through His powerful Word, which is able to pierce and divide the soul and spirit of both joints and marrow and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart (Hebrews 4:12). This inside transformation will result in an outward expression of beauty, bringing glory to our Creator.

As the butterfly is at rest in its pupa stage, there is a sense that we are at rest as we allow the Holy Spirit to work on our “inside,” our heart, soul and mind. This rest does not mean inactivity. We are growing, trusting, and developing our faith muscles, if you will, as God is at work in us to give us the desire to obey Him. This is such a mystery and is very hard to understand. Faith in Christ to make us like Himself is essential to our spiritual development. He is the power at work within us. Our striving to be better Christians by changing our behavior is a waste of time. He requires surrender to His ways, and He will change us on the inside, resulting in a life that honors and glorifies the Creator- a transformed life!

My lifestyle – the “outside” – reveals my belief system. I can say whatever I want to say, but the way I live shows what I believe. Most of my choices to sin stem from believing lies that the enemy of my soul has planted in my mind. In order to refuse these lies, I must know the truth of God’s Word and apply it to my life. I must change the way I think about sin. My sin grieves God. It saddens Him. Think about the Garden of Eden. Satan has always twisted God’s Word. Eve believed a lie from the serpent about what God had said. Truth is vital to a healthy spiritual life. God’s Spirit has the power to transform us through the truth of His Word. It helps me to think of repentance as changing the way I think about sin. When our belief system is in line with God’s Word and we are surrendered to the Holy Spirit, our lives will demonstrate the fruit of repentance.

Are you allowing the Spirit of Truth to transform you from the inside out? Take time to meditate on the condition of your heart, looking to your Creator and “rest” in His work of grace as He reveals His glory through your life.

“Cease striving and know that I am God….” Psalm 46:10