Don’t Follow the World
Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God -- this is your true and proper worship. 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 12:1-2)
When I was about ten years old, my Mom made me memorize the first two verses of Romans Chapter 12. As a child, that seemed like a lot of words. Worse, reading them in the King James Version made no sense to me. I was finally able to quote the words perfectly, but I told my mom I didn’t understand what they meant. She knew that and was ready. She explained that my understanding would develop as I grew up.
Right then, I realized that I shouldn’t embrace whatever everyone said was all right. She knew I needed to decide what I would do. She wanted me to do the right thing. The way I would know the right thing was by daily renewing my mind and keeping my eyes on Jesus. That made sense even to a 10-year-old boy.
My mom was very wise. She taught me Scriptures that she knew I would grow into; and those verses have stayed embedded in my mind. The concept of not conforming to the world seems more critical today than ever before. Our world is like a ship with no rudder or bearing. As believers, we need to be transformed daily by the renewing of our minds, so that we may prove what the will of God is.
When I was about ten years old, my Mom made me memorize the first two verses of Romans Chapter 12. As a child, that seemed like a lot of words. Worse, reading them in the King James Version made no sense to me. I was finally able to quote the words perfectly, but I told my mom I didn’t understand what they meant. She knew that and was ready. She explained that my understanding would develop as I grew up.
Right then, I realized that I shouldn’t embrace whatever everyone said was all right. She knew I needed to decide what I would do. She wanted me to do the right thing. The way I would know the right thing was by daily renewing my mind and keeping my eyes on Jesus. That made sense even to a 10-year-old boy.
My mom was very wise. She taught me Scriptures that she knew I would grow into; and those verses have stayed embedded in my mind. The concept of not conforming to the world seems more critical today than ever before. Our world is like a ship with no rudder or bearing. As believers, we need to be transformed daily by the renewing of our minds, so that we may prove what the will of God is.
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4 Comments
It is so easy to conform to the world's way of living. People think you're nuts to follow Jesus. They don't know to follow Jesus is to live in love. Something this world doesn't understand today. I will still follow Jesus and show love to those around me for He wants everyone to experience His love.
Faith, Hope and Love and the greatest of these is Love. Help us, Lord to love You with al our heart, soul, mind and strength and to love our neighbor as ourselves in Jesus name. Amen. ?
n
nMerry Christmas to al!!
I thought I met the man God intended for me a year ago on an airplane. It seemed mostly perfect only a few things that I struggled with Spiritually. Want a relationship and companion so badly, I was convinced. Always caution in the back of my mind, but so enjoying our times together. Trying to be a good Christian, believing we both were, and a conversation we had last week finally made the difference between us real when he ghosted me, I got the courage to confront him, and finally told me he isn't interested in US anymore. Now devistated and alone again, I have to recognize we weren't a God send after all. I have had so many tragedies in my life and have weathered them all, but I find it increasingly harder to understand what I am supposed to do with my life.
nScriptures always remind me that I am loved such a good person and blessed and this is true, but how am I to continue to be hurt so many times and when will I be able to keep looking up. I have learned to know what God's grace is by being able to continue on, but I am so discouraged this time. I pray and asked for guidance, then my relationship ended abruptly. A test, another challenge? I am so very sad and need some reassurance . Please pray for this pain to be over.
Nancy, I pray that you find our Lord's peace and comfort by resting in His arms. Lean not on your own understanding but trust in Him who loves you. He has never promised us life without trials and tribulations. He has promised us that He will always be with us to guide us through hard times- as you are having. Let Him be the lamp to your feet and the light to your path. Trust in Him. Have faith In Him. Many of us face struggles with priorities and we can feel separated from God. There's a common human experience of worldly desperation to satisfy our own needs which can prevent a meaningful relationship with Jesus. The reality I've come to understand is that without Jesus, we have nothing – He is the truth, the way and the life, and no one comes to God but through Him. There is Good News! You can learn how to turn yourself around and walk with Jesus. He will provide you with all that you need. Learn how- https://iamtruthby.name/