Romans 12:2—”And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.”
Let’s take a look at the world today.
Adults yearn for glamourous youthful looks and exotic vacation places to travel to, youngsters want fame and fortune at the earliest, teens are busy seeking new experiences at any cost and take selfies at the blink of every eye, preteens try to ape the teens to act older than they are and run away at the least amount of stress or dislike of something. Interpretation: sins of many types are rampant – idols in different forms, avarice, bad influences, pride, and so on. Are we a part of this world? No, although we are in this world for now, we must not be of this world. We must remember that we are chosen and called apart for God’s purpose to be fulfilled in and through our lives.
The Bible says:
-We shouldn’t judge others; only God can judge all of us in the end – (Zachariah 8:17-Let none of you think evil in your heart against your neighbor;…)
-We can renew our minds, be transformed to what God wants us to be, have peace and not conform to majority’s ways – (Philippians 4:8-9-Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you.)
Let’s take a common example:
When we are upset with someone and the person walks in, what is a typical reaction? Reactive body language – narrowed eyes, sulky mouth and silent treatment perhaps? Negative questions about the person run through our mind; along with things that highlight ourselves as the victim. We allow our emotions to override any or all rational thoughts because of our heightened emotion of hurt or anger; maybe even turn mean. Since we only pull from our fickle feelings and emotions, thoughts and actions may run wild.
However, if we have prepared our heart for disappointment, anger and hurt feelings, how would we react?
We would store God’s Word in our heart to renew our mind, to speak truth over our emotions, to rein in our tongue, to soften our eyes.
-a gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. (Proverbs 15:1)
-a fool gives full vent to anger, but a wise man keeps himself under control. (Proverbs 29:11)
-be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.(Ephesians 4:32)
God then interrupts our angry thoughts and replaces them with fresh thoughts through His powerful, life-giving, life-transforming, mind-renewing words. God reminds us of who He is and what He wants from us. The Holy Spirit softens our heart. We ready and renew our minds with God’s Word. God works when our human side cannot go further, unless with His help. Then, if we are in God’s will, God takes over. He stands in the gap to help us overcome our weaknesses. His Word is life-changing. Invite God to give you the strength and the power to accomplish a change in your weak area today.
