And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. — Romans 12:2 KJV
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
Reflection
Don’t let the world shape you. That is a difficult command to follow. It serves as a reminder that what we believe to be one of the most dangerous places for spiritual warfare. Sloppy thinking is dangerous because we are constantly bombarded with messages that distort God’s truth and holy values.
Instead of being enraged by the world acting like the world, let us be transformed by renewing our minds and doing what Paul said he did — taking every thought, every word captive for Christ. We often think of tithing as giving 10% of our money, but an even more important tithe is giving 10% of our total undivided thought time to God’s things!
Reflection
Please protect my soul from pride, my heart from callousness, and my mind from focusing too much on unimportant things and not enough on you, O Lord.
Teach me in my heart what it means to be about my Father’s business, especially in my mental world.
I pray in the name of Jesus, my greatest example of someone who knew and lived your will.
Amen.