Conformed or Transformed, You Choose

Ok, so I am trying to still get back into the swing of things after two nights and most of two days away from my boys, all of them, and going away to a retreat with other women. What a timely experience.
What an amazing God we love and follow. I was witness to many women who had been conformed into the pattern of this world and everything that has left it's mark on them throughout their life, and leave with healing and restoration from the hurt and betrayal this world leaves upon us over time.
One of the things we learned was the difference between Conform and Transform.
Conform is actually defined as "change in form", fashioned, formed after a pattern. The word picture is one of how they make coins. The metal is pressed with an image, from a mold. The substance or material is changed from one form to another. Same substance. This would be an external change.
Transform actually means to be changed into something entirely different. A change in the essence of something and that which we cannot do it ourselves. Something "supernatural" needs to take place. The word Transform has its' roots in Metamorphoo, which in our English language leads to Metamorphosis.
When I think of Metamorphosis, I picture the process of the Caterpillar which goes into the cocoon and is transformed into a Butterfly. Something entirely different.
Romans 12:2 says, "And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed through the renewing of your mind so that you prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect."
Only God can renew our minds into His character and image. We have to stop believing the lies that the world tries to sell us all. They are empty, unfulfilling, and fruitless. We strive and strive and even if we lack for nothing in our relationships and possessions, there will still be a sense of "there must be something more".
I challenge you to be transformed if you are discontent with this life. Allow God to transform your mind based on the truth of who He is and Who you are to Him. A relational God, He knows your name, He knows all that you have experienced and will experience in your life. It's up to us to take the step and choose to believe and then learn how He desires to relate to us in a very personal and intentional way. He won't force you to believe in Him. He loves you just the same but will not intervene in your life without your direct permission. I was reminded recently that "a touch from God doesn't cause harm to us". He is a Good God, a God of Justice and Truth, a God of Love.