Friday, July 6, 2018

July 7, 2018

"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 12:2

The earnest admonition "do not conform to the pattern of this world" should really say, "don't settle for being conformed to the pattern of this world" because that is what it really means!

It's a fact, a sad reality that unless you have done something to change it, you ARE conformed to the pattern of this world! You were born that way. It is your nature. It is your default condition.

While it is not your fault your were born in this condition it is your responsibility to make sure you won't die in this condition.

The condition I am referring to and Paul has in mind is being conformed to the "schemes" of this world. What are the "schemes"? The mindset and thought patterns of the world are part of the schemes. The value systems of the world are part of the schemes. Selfish thoughts and desires are part of the schemes of this world.

Not one part of these worldly "schemes" is pleasing to God. None! They won't lead you God and will, in fact, draw you away from Him!

You can't tweak them into pleasing God.

You can't reform yourself into a new scheme.

The only solution for being conformed to the world is being TRANSFORMED through the renewing of your mind! 

To put it in computer terms, you can't download an app or a virus protection software. It will require an entirely new operating system.

God, through the blood of Christ will cleanse your old operating system (sinful nature) and download His Holy Spirit into your heart. That is how He renews your mind! It is a complete and fundamental transformation!

Nothing less will do!