“Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of the minds, so that you may discern what is the will of God–what is good and acceptable and perfect.” – Romans 12:2

Who would know more about being transformed than Paul?
Not me.
How many were sightless in mind and then eyes like Paul?
Very few.
Who sought to transform his entire world view like Paul?
Not so many.
Who managed carry along all his quirks as did Paul?

Well, that’s me.

Who probably thinks of himself much too well (as did Paul)?
Yes, that’s me.
Who knows he conforms to the world’s expectation too well?
Me as well.
Who exaggerates just how much faith is within him? Any guesses?
It’s me.
Who struggles for balance between faith and knowledge and action?

Well, that’s me.

Transform me anew, living God, Holy One,
Conform me to mercy, encouragement, diligence.
Transform me anew, living God, Holy One,
That I may continue to follow your Way.

A poem/prayer based on Romans 12:1-8, the Revised Common Lectionary Second Reading for Year A, Proper 16 (21).

The image is The Apostle Saint Paul by El Greco (between 1610 and 1614; painting displayed at the El Greco Museum, Toledo, Spain – 1QEs4novinaf3A at Google Cultural Institute, zoom level maximum, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=29844105.

From the available evidence, I think Paul’s besetting temptation was always arrogance and hubris. Writing to strangers, he held it in check in Romans. It’s much more visible in other letters – but I think his advice “not to think of yourself more highly than you ought to think” was addressed to himself as much as his readers.

It is the one attribute I can safely say I share with a saint.