Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
Romans 12:2 NIV
Transformed
World Famous Architect David M. Childs passed away this past March 26. He is renowned as one who has transformed some of the world’s largest cities. Often in the public spotlight, he led the design of many of New York’s highest profile projects. In Washington DC, his master plan for Constitution Gardens transformed a vast portion of the National Mall into a pedestrian-centered public park, and his work in transportation—from expanding Toronto Pearson International Airport to fostering the creation of Moynihan Train Hall in New York—dramatically improved the travel experience in some of the world’s busiest transit hubs.
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I remember the movement back in the 1970s called urban renewal. Many of Canada’s finest heritage buildings were razed and replaced with buildings and neighbourhoods that haven’t aged well. We learned a lot of what not to do in transforming communities. What a contrast to the kind of transformation that God brings. The apostle speaks to this in Romans 12:2: “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is – his good, pleasing and perfect will.” Sin has taken its toll on every single human being. There is nothing in our sin that needs to be preserved. We need a total transformation of our nature, our thinking, our heart. When Jesus redeems us, He takes us from darkness to light, from sin to righteousness, from death to life. But that is just the beginning. As we grow in grace and in the knowledge of Jesus, we more and more conform to the pattern of the Kingdom of God, walking in His will for us.
These have been words from the heart.
Bob Beasley