This thought is our reminder to yield to the power and work of the Holy Spirit in our lives. Galatians 5:16 reminds us, “So I say, let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you won’t be doing what your sinful nature craves.”
As we embrace a transformed faith that pleases Jesus, it involves recognizing that our journey with Christ is marked by continual growth and renewal. One of the things that I remember growing up as a young believer is not understanding sanctification. I thought that once I was saved all of my bad habits, struggles, and issues would just fall off. I learned later that sanctification is actually a process, that begins with us being justified and this process continues throughout life. To God’s glory, I thank Him for the Apostle Paul who does an amazing job in Romans describing to us how the power of sin has been broken in our lives. He says in Romans chapter 6 verses 10 to 12, “When he died, he died once to break the power of sin. But now that he lives, he lives for the glory of God. So you also should consider yourselves to be dead to the power of sin and alive to God through Christ Jesus. Do not let sin control the way you live; do not give in to sinful desires.” The Holy Spirit is the one who transforms us; He is actually the working agent for our sanctification.
As believers, we are called to “be transformed by the renewing of our minds” as Romans 12:2 tells us. This transformation begins with a deliberate and daily choice to align our thoughts, desires, and actions with God’s will as revealed in His Word. It is not easy, but it can be done when we surrender our old ways of thinking and behaving, allowing God to shape us into the servants He has called us to be.
In order for us to witness the manifestation of a changed faith and life that is pleasing to Jesus, we must pursue righteousness, faithfulness, and obedience. Galatians 5:22-23 serves as a reminder of the fruits that stem from a transformed life. It says, “But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.” Again, Paul never said it would be easy, but he does remind us that just like God’s grace was sufficient for him, it is enough for us as well. (But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. 2 Corinthians 12:9)
To embody this renewed, transformed faith, it is essential to keep in mind the necessity of surrender, prayer, diving into the Scriptures, and depending on the guidance of the Holy Spirit.