Do Not Conform

Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind,

(Romans 12:2)

Meditation

I have to admit that I struggle with this. I want to be godly and acceptable and perfect before the Lord, but I fail regularly. Sometimes it happens when I’m driving, and someone cuts me off in traffic. I have extended grace to the other drivers on occasion, but the majority of the time, if I’m not cursing out loud, I’m cursing under my breath. I have conformed to this world. At other times, I fall prey to the spirit of avarice. I’ll see something advertised that I want and fall under the spell of materialism. I have conformed to this world.

Then there’s also the times I’ve tangled with some political opponent on social media who stands diametrically opposed to what I believe. If the debate were conducted face to face, it might seem like I hate the other person. I have conformed to this world. I confess I will willingly watch a television show that is more than a little risqué. Why can’t I just turn the channel? I’ll tell myself that it’s the only thing on, but when there are over one hundred and twenty channels to choose from, that’s a lie. I have conformed to this world.

What gets to me more than anything else is when I fail to take advantage of an opportunity to share Christ with someone. It could be that I’m just not paying attention to the circumstances until it’s too late. That’s no excuse because I should always be ready. I have conformed to this world. Then, of course, there’s the fear of ridicule or rejection. I don’t know why that ever bothers me. Since Jesus faced ridicule and rejection, I would be in good company. I’m probably not going to face death because someone doesn’t like what I’m sharing. So, as you can see, I have fallen into conformity with this world many times.

This world we live in has so many ways to draw us in, we are easily snared. We have to constantly be on guard. Our day to day actions speak much louder than anything we say. The unbelieving individual watching us will reject our message of salvation if we act like everyone else. I for one, don’t want to be the reason anyone turns away from Christ. I am going to keep working on this. God is still working on me and even though I fail him all the time, he still loves me. I’m so thankful for his patience and mercy. By staying in the God’s Word, I hope to come closer to being transformed.

Prayer Time

Heavenly Father you are the maker and keeper of all things good. You made the heavens and the Earth with the breath of your mouth. Since then, you’ve held all of creation together with the might of your will. Thank you, Father, for giving us life and for wanting to be a part of our lives. Even though, we’ll pass through many trials, you are always with us. Lord, it’s far too easy for us to be sidetracked by all of the worldly things going on these days. We live in an age where it’s easy for our thoughts and time to fall prey to a political climate of division, to materialistic desires, to carnal images and thoughts, and to marital discord. These distractions keep us busy doing everything but focusing on our relationship with Jesus Christ. Father give us the resolve to constantly refresh our knowledge of your scriptures with daily study and prayer. Complete in us, a change of heart so we’ll be able to comprehend what obedience to your will means for us. Make following your will paramount in our thoughts because you want only what’s best for us. Help us to show your love to everyone around us. In Jesus name, we pray. Amen!