#TuesdayTruth Romans 12:2

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.”

Our human minds are strange, beautiful, complicated things. Thank God that He made them and understands them and gives us guidance on our best use of them in the scriptures! I do not know if there is much that I desire more than renewal of my mind- every day, many times per day. Unfortunately, it can be so easy to let our thoughts wander and our train of thought slip out of that space that God has renewed.

As we read this verse, we see this wonderful truth before us- that we, as believers, have the ability to take hold of the thoughts that enter our minds (2 Corinthians 10:5) and keep on the right track. We do not have to be just like everyone/everything else in this world. In fact, we are called to be different (Matthew 5:13-16; 2 Corinthians 6:17).

Personally, I do not want be similar to the world. I realize that I do not have that many years under my belt, but the years that I have lived have shown me “snippets” of the way of the world- the hurt, the shame, the brokenness, the condemnation, the hate, the vicious cycles in which we can get caught, the anxiety, the fear, the worry, the uncertainty- and I can EASILY say it holds no affection from me.

Instead, I long to be “not of this world”- to be strangely whole, peaceful, humble, loved, loving, free, joyful, faithful, REDEEMED. I long to not be seen, but for Christ to be seen in me; to be SO very different from the world that others can only see Him and His work inside of me. I long to be able to truly distinguish God’s GOOD, PLEASING and PERFECT will for my life.

Heavenly Father,

Thank you for teaching us to renew our minds. Thank you that we are not stuck in the filth of this world, but we are transformed, by your grace. Thank you for the wisdom that you provide that helps us decipher Your good, pleasing, and perfect will. And thank you that THAT will, YOUR will, is so much better than anything we could have ever dreamed or imagined.

We love you Father, Amen.