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
The Canadian Urban Institute has released The Case for the Core: Provocations for the Future of Canada’s Downtowns, affirming the critical roles of central business districts to national recovery after COVID-19. The impacts of the pandemic on downtowns, which saw thousands of office workers transition to remote work and tourism come to a halt, devastated the street retail sector, shuttered cultural attractions, and gutted the hospitality sector that has been operating at less than 10% occupancy for 24 months.
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People pay huge amounts of money for a makeover. They want a complete transformation of their looks – their face, arms, legs, torso, hair. The problem for many is that even with all that change on the outside, nothing is any different on the inside. Our society fails to understand that change on the outside cannot lead to change on the inside and that is where true transformation takes place. Romans 12:2 says this: “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.” Jesus Christ came into the world, and into our lives in order to transform us from the inside out. He begins by changing our heart and mind. He changes our passion – we no longer desire the things that simply bring pleasure to the flesh. Instead, we want to become a man or woman of God, living to honour Him and so experience the peace and joy that he alone offers. He transforms our minds as well, so our minds focus on the things of the Spirit. This is true transformation.
These have been words from the heart.
Bob Beasley