Well, Father, there were a lot of unexpected things today. We would pray for Your watchcare over us and lay claim to Your generous provision. We are blessed!
Romans 12:2 (<<click here to read the passage)
One of the biggest hurdles in the world – and it’s not a new thing by any means – is the drive to get what everyone else seems to have. It starts with toys in children and in actuality progresses to bigger and more expensive toys in adulthood. Also, we have a very bad habit of falling right in line with the world, as well. For whatever reason, we have this overwhelming urge to be like the world, dress like the world, think like the world, and act like the world.
Right out of the gate, as the Apostle Paul tries to guide and direct us in the ways of Christ, he proclaims,
And do not be conformed to this world [any longer with its superficial values and customs]…
Now by no means can we say that all the things of the world are in and of themselves evil. But where the problem tends to lie, as my Life Application Study Bible points out, is that the ways of the world are usually selfish and often corrupting.
For sure, certain activities should be avoided. Often a little goes a long way, and we often have a problem putting the brakes on when enough is enough. We easily yield to more than is good for us.
Wise Christians decide that much worldly behavior is off-limits for them – there’s just too much potential for problems that are not easily undone. Our refusal to conform to this world’s values, however, must go even deeper than just behavior and customs: it must be firmly planted in our mind: be transformed and progressively changed [as you mature spiritually] by the renewing of your mind [focusing on godly values and ethical attitudes]… AMP
The New Living Translation puts it this way,
“Let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think.”
We might be able to say no to most worldly customs, and this is what burns us, we can avoid a lot of that stuff, but we can still be proud, covetous, selfish, stubborn, and arrogant.
If I’ve learned anything in the last 60 years, it is that I am totally inept at handling those kinds of things by myself. It’s too easy to get too close to the edge. I think I’ve got it all under control, and once I start slipping…it’s all downhill.
Only when the Holy Spirit renews, reeducates, and redirects our mind are we truly transformed.
For those who are living according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh [which gratify the body], but those who are living according to the Spirit, [set their minds on] the things of the Spirit [His will and purpose]. Romans 8:5 AMP
Lord Jesus, enable us to keep our eyes and hearts fixed on You. In and of ourselves we are weak. But in You we are strong! Amen!
Aug 1st, 2023, Tues, 11:04 pm
