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 (NIV)
In continuation of our "Thoughts" from yesterday, to not lash out in a "worldly" way for the trespasses that will prod us this day, we are further encouraged to simply not conform to the patterns of this world, but be transformed.
The world of course in this context is that which does not follow or seek the will of God. This is a world that constantly re-aligns itself to the latest social and moral codes, with no particular means to anchor to any single concept of good, bad or indifferent. It is a reactionary world, with quickly changing opinions based on the latest crisis or recent spectacular event.
But the will of God is not reactionary, it is not changing, it does not require revision as new facts present themselves or new events unfold. It is the "perfect will". Our job, via the Spirit within us, is to first test and then approve or disprove each step we take as to whether it is the good, pleasing and perfect will of the Father or the drifting will of the world.
There is only one true will, the rest is temporary or simply an illusion and what is so incredible, is we have been gifted in full with the ability to choose sides. Which "will" do you choose?
Many Blessings.
Craig
The world will judge us by human measures. God will judge us by spiritual measures. In the eyes of men, we are revered, envied, idolized, admired and emulated on account of how much we've accumulated of material things. Yet, to God all these are fleeting and temporal and are not what we need to attain eternal salvation. Therefore, do not be concerned about how the world judges you but by how God will. For in the end, we will all leave this world to either be with the Father in heaven or the evil one in hell. How will you choose?
Thank you Gems for the solid foundation.
Blessings!
Yes sir, it is really a fight every single day not to conform to this world, but walking in this narrow road is not meant to be easy to begin with anyways! :)
This Bible verse is one of my favourite.
One of the most impacting statements I ever heard was, "God is precision driven."
God has standards. He is the Rock of Ages. He is the Ancient of Days. Why do people think it doesn't matter to him how we act and react, or what we do or don't?
As I told a friend yesterday, God cares about the littlest details of our lives, and these details should show the transforming power of the Holy Spirit working in us.
Very nice Sister..
I have actually never heard "God is precision driven." but truly love this. I pray I will remember it tomorrow once I wake.
Glad to have you back.
Yes, that is such a good reminder, especially in the world that is ever changing. Today's moral "standard" is totally different tomorrow, the only thing we can really anchor onto is the unchanging standard of God, even if it means at the expense of our "popularity" in the world or among the crowd.
You know I stopped worrying about popularity and the side effects of running a Christian business and I believe I have more customers now than I did before. And the ones I have, I really enjoy having.
Wishing you the same anti-popularity!
Nice! What kind of business do you run? I do believe business and entrepreneurship can actually do a lot of good for the Kingdom, so long we have the Kingdom mindset. :)
Yes, I agree with you completely.
https://steemit.com/christian/@bycoleman/is-your-business-afraid-of-jesus
oh nice article that you wrote! Believe it or not?! I actually am working with a solar project developing company in California!
Nice words sir,this is almost identical to what I discussed about on my latest post
Yes it is indeed. I just read your post, thank you for the sharing His word in your journey here on Steemit.
Have a joyous day in the Spirit.
Mal 3:6 tells us that our God does not change.. true Christians are not blinded by the world's idea of "anything goes, as long as social media is in trends with it"
No!! We know the God we serve, we no what he requires from us, and what is it he requires from. Us than to exercise justice, cherish loyalty, and to walk modestly with him (Micah 6:8)
Yes and really everyone knows this! To give a simple example, they know the consequences of the poor choices they make while in relationships yet because the world promotes promiscuity, it must be OK. But who is really OK with it in the end. Heartbreak and confusion is at best the end result and of course it likely ends much worse.
Blessings!
This really amaze me sometimes...
Another example is the world's view that if you're in a relationship and there's no jealousy in it then it's either you don't love the person or the relationship won't last.
But the originator of healthy relationship had it penned down in his holy book that love is not jealous...
Isn't it common sense to know that you can't get any device and go against the producers manual and expect the device to last long? So why go against what the originator of relationship says and expect it to last?
I guess common sense is not actually common.
@bycoleman Pray for me Brother. I am always keeping you in my prayer.
Yes, I will. I do pray you are well. The Lord has you.
Blessings!
That's so true,we should not live ad mere men or follow the system if this word,we should renew our mind with the word daily,until your mind is renew you can't function in the realm God expect you to function .
You are speaking the truth.
May your path be blessed this day!
True, let's hear the word of almighty father and let's walk on the path of faith and towards the light and don't concentrate on speculations and changes of this world because most of the things are deception. Thanks for sharing and wishing you an great day. Stay blessed. 🙂
Well said brother, Amen.
And blessings to you as well.
Thank you so much brother. 🙂
In treading this world, man is always confronted with two states, happy or miserable. This change of circumstances can happen anytime according to the fate of GOD in which we cannot change. But only the believer can be straight in responding to the alternation of situations and conditions. This is because he believes in the majesty and power of God. And for me, I would choose the path which has given by God. Many blessings.
Thank you for sharing. You have chosen well.
Have a Spirit filled day.
I think it's easier to make sense of this passage for us knowing that Satan is the current ruler of 'this world'. Its not that we have no meaning but we simply don't belong to this current paradigm thanks to Christ's saving grace. As he said to the Father in John 17:14 'I have given them Your word; and the world has hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.'
What better comfort is there than hearing Christ speak directly to God the Father likening us to him if only because we are not of the world!
Thanks for sharing 😊
I'm simply curious but do you mind me asking what your Christian business is?
I'm on discord/steemitchat if you wish to message me on one of those