Transforming and Empowering Word

Text: Romans 12:2; Psalm 119:105, Hebrews 4:12

(NLT) Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect. Romans (12:2)

My dear brethren in Christ, Peace and Love of Christ be with you. Today, the Church calls us to reflect on the effects of the Word of God and the need to pattern our lives in accordance with the Word of God.

The Word of God is one of the greatest gifts God has given to mankind. The Bible is not just an ordinary book that we read and keep on our shelves. To others, it is an ordinary book of history but to us, it is the Transforming Power of God. It is the Word of God, given to guide us, correct us, strengthen us and help us become the people God wants us to be.

When we talk about “The Transforming and Empowering Word,” we are talking about the power of God’s Word to change our lives and give us strength to live according to His will.

The reflection will be in two phases. The first part is according to Romans 12:2. This means that God does not want us to simply follow everything we see around us.

Secondly, Psalm 119:105, points to our dependence on God’s Word as a lamp, a guide to enlighten our path in our journey towards success. Can we think about a person walking on a dark road at night without a torch or light.

He may easily fall into a hole, hit an object or take the wrong direction. But when there is light, he can see where he is going.

In the same way, life can sometimes be confusing. We may not know what decision to make, who to trust, where to go or what to do. God’s Word gives us light so that we do not walk blindly.

Firstly, the Word is an agent of transformation. The world has its own way of thinking, speaking and behaving, but the child of God is called to live differently. Transformation begins from the mind. Before a person changes outwardly, there must first be a change inside the heart and mind.

And one of the major ways God changes our minds is through His Word. Many times, we want God to change our situation, but God first wants to change us.

We may pray, “Lord, change my circumstances,” while God is saying, “Let Me change your heart first.” Sometimes, the problem is not only what is happening around us but what is happening inside us.

When God’s Word begins to work in us, it changes our attitude, our speech, our decisions and our reactions to situations.

For instance, it is a common belief that revenge is the best way to deal with people when they offend us, the Word of God can change that mindset.

The Bible teaches us to forgive. Also, lying is a system of lifestyle because “everybody lies,” (if they dribble you comot make dey dribble another person), God’s Word tells us to speak the truth. In this era, people believe that success means having money at all costs, God’s Word teaches us that our character and relationship with God are more important than material things.

This is what transformation means. God’s Word enters our thinking and begins to change the way we see life.

Furthermore, the Word of God may not tell you every detail about your future, but it gives you principles that help you make the right decisions.

When you don’t know what to do, go back to the Word. When you are confused, go back to the Word. When you are under pressure, go back to the Word. When people are giving you different opinions, find out what God says. The Word becomes a lamp for your feet and a light for your path.

The Word of God as a Guide also empowers us. There are times when we know what is right but find it difficult to do it. We know we should forgive, but we struggle to forgive.

We know we should pray, but we become lazy. We know we should live a holy life, but temptation comes. We know we should remain faithful, but problems make us want to give up. God’s Word gives us strength to continue.

My dear brethren in Christ, Romans 12:2 tells us to be transformed by the renewing of our minds while Psalm 119:105 tells us that God’s Word is a lamp and a light. Put these two scriptures together and we see something powerful: God’s Word changes us from inside and guides us on the outside.

It changes the way we think and helps us know the way we should walk. Let us not underestimate the Word of God. You may be facing a difficult situation today, but there is a Word that can strengthen you.

You may be confused about your future, but there is a Word that can guide you. You may be struggling with your character, but there is a Word that can transform you.

You may feel powerless, but there is a Word that can empower you to stand.

The question is not whether the Word of God has power. The question is whether we are allowing that Word to work in us. Open your heart to God’s Word. Read it. Believe it. Meditate on it.

Practise it. When you do this consistently, you will begin to see changes in your life.

Nonetheless, the world will continue to offer us different ways of living, but God’s Word gives us the right direction. Do not allow the world to shape your thinking more than God’s Word does.

Let the Word transform your mind, guide your steps and empower you to live a life that pleases God.

The Word you receive can transform you, and the Word you obey can empower you.

Let God’s Word become your lamp when you cannot see the way, your strength when you feel weak, your correction when you are going wrong and your encouragement when you are discouraged.

If we allow the Word of God to work deeply in our lives, we will not remain the same people we were before.

May the Peace and Love of God that surpasses all things rest and abide in our hearts. Amen.