Devo Post #7

12/19/14

Romans 12:2

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.

Sigh...one of the many verses in the Bible that talks about how we should not be like or part of the world in its wickedness and rebellion towards God. Another verse that tons of people ignore or pretend it isn’t in the Bible. Me included sometimes. Many times. And I don’t spend enough time repenting I feel. So let us recognize what the “pattern” of the world looks like. In politics. On social and justice issues. On pursuit of wealth and position. On raising families. On love and marriage and hope and grace and mercy and justice and right and wrong. Let us know what it is in the Bible, the Words out of God’s mouth that we ought to live by and not just stale bread. Food for thought. The patterns are listed in the Book of James btw.

What does it mean, “renewing of your mind?” Is it to read scripture and theology and whatnot? Is it to focus daily on the promises of the Lord? We know from this verse its supposed to lead you to “test” and “approve” God’s will. Do I know what God’s will is? I somewhat do. It is to bring Himself glory and bring His kingdom on Earth to complete fruition. Something like that. And saving us and loving us along the way. Yeah. But this is only a small taste. And I don’t know how real it is in my heart. Let the supernatural power of the Holy Spirit work in my heart to make the reality of God and Christ real.

A thought came to me, of those who realized God’s will and followed it. Look at Esau and Jacob. One followed the world and gave into his temporary hunger, but Jacob knew what was worth it and pursued it with all passion (and trickery). Look at Cain and Abel. Look at the 10 spies vs Joshua and Caleb. Some followed the world. Some feared what the world would say. Some just outright challenged the sovereignty of God in the situations. But those who followed the Lord and not the world knew God’s will, and because God’s will is good and pleasing and perfect, these people were blessed. Abel’s name is remembered for all time. Jacob became Israel and was the father of God’s chosen people. Caleb and Joshua got to lead the Israelites into the promise land. Time and time again we see the reality of this verse come about.