Transformed

I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.      Romans 12:1-2

Conformity is the religion of the world, and consensus is its gospel. While the world longs for diversity of appearance, it cannot tolerate diverse opinions. No where is this more evident than in their intolerance of Christians who will not be converted to a worldly religion. It is secular utopia, not the kingdom of God, that longs for a paradise of peace through sameness of thought and manner.

Paul’s plea was for Christians to break away from the thinking and values of the world and embrace the teaching of Christ. A cursory examination of Christ’s life clearly demonstrates a rejection of worldly values. He drew people as they were to make them as they should be. Christians are not broken and poured into a mold to be the same. They are individually sculpted by the Holy Spirit.

The kingdom of God exists as diverse gifts, operations, and administrations, each remaining unique and working in harmony like the cells of a body. In fact, the Church is called the body of Christ. For all people to enter into this body-like kingdom is the will of God.

In this kingdom there is equality of worth, but not equity of rewards. Everyone experiences the same saving grace that results equally in salvation. However, at the judgment seat of Christ each person receives according to the deeds done in this body. We get a participation trophy, but not the same trophy. There will be winners and losers. The first will be last and the last first.