N.T. Wright eloquently summarized what Paul powerfully states in Romans 12 when he wrote that repentance is not just "trying to stop sinning" but reshaping one's very life goals in the shadow of the cross.
At Resurgence a few years ago, Matt Chandler said that he ministers to a bunch of perverts in the Bible belt who think they are going to heaven because they don't cuss or drink beer.
Paul reminded the Romans (and now us) that to be a Christian is worship 24/7 and "renew" or minds or, in other words, to truly follow Christ and follow hard after Christ. The Mother Theresas, Brother Mannings, Desmond Tutus, etc. are supposed to be the exception within the Christian community but the rule.
