A Diligent Death

“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind” (Romans 12:2). 
 
If you look into a mirror, you’ll see yourself. You’ll see the exact reflection of what you physically look like. But have you ever wondered what your spirit looks like? More specifically, have you ever wondered what your spirit looks like in comparison to God’s spirit? That’s a loaded question, and most of us will shy away from that picture because we know that we’re nothing compared to God. Even so, the more we look at the Father—listen to Him, submerse ourselves in His Word, talk to Him, even think about Him—the more we become like Him.  

Did you know that if you and another person hold eye contact, you’ll eventually start breathing at the same rate? You become so focused on them that you unconsciously mirror them.  

The more intentional we are about looking at the Father, the more we begin to conform into His image. We reflect what we worship. Perhaps this is why Paul says that he must die to himself daily (1 Corinthians 15:31). We must be diligent to give up the world if we want to become more like Christ.  

When the writer of Romans states, “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind,” it’s a call to put to death every thought or action that does not bring Him glory. The only way anyone finds the strength to do such a thing is by being more devoted to God that to oneself. We must be diligent to die so that we can truly live.  

When Moses spoke with God on Mount Sinai, the Word tells us that he would come away from the mountain with his face shining. Scripture says, “…and the Israelites would see that Moses’ face was radiant” (Exodus 34:35). Why? Because he had been with the Lord.  

When we’re with God, we change. This kind of renewal doesn’t just come from one encounter with Him or from one act of obedience—it’s a continuous relationship. It’s a daily act of genuine diligence. The closer we are to Him, the more lovingly devoted to Him we become. The longer we look at Him, we breathe the way He does. We love, forgive, and lead the way He does because He changes our perspectives, our ideals, and our spirits to mirror His own.  

As you spend time with Him, your old sinful nature will dissipate, and those around you will realize that you are different. You live on the same earth and go through the same troubles they do, but you’re different, and that difference show in everything you do. You’ll be radiant because you have been with the Lord.