Conformed or Transformed? Discerning God’s Will

Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable, and perfect. (Romans 12:2 ESV)

Forward Friday!

Thoughts happening in our world can overwhelm and disturb the good, acceptable, and perfect will of God. I’m not surprised, yet, stunned how many people are deceived in our country. Deception is the devil’s silent weapon. And, our minds are the devil’s target.

Heart

Scripture states the heart can be the most deceptive. What comes first- the heart or mind? When I search function of the mind, three basic functions are involved. They are thinking, feeling, and wanting. Psychologist can explain more in-depth. Yet, our brains are like command central, explaining why captive thoughts are necessary for self-control. Self-control is a fruit of the Spirit, along with love, joy, peace, forbearance kindness, goodness, faithfulness, and gentleness. Anything opposite of these fruits, reflects the devil’s way to steal, kill, and destroy.

Minds

I avoid most television, however, this past week I’ve seen a few Hallmark movies and little more HGTV. What’s happened to commercials? The cute, catchy tunes of Oscar Meyer are no more. I became very alert to the force behind present day commercials focused on anxiety, depression, and fibromyalgia. Dear friends, we cannot let ourselves keep listening to these commercials…they play with our minds. I would list the pharmaceutical companies as top 10 evils in this world. Years ago, when our daughters were in dance, a friend completely understood what I was saying about no longer watching Opera or Dr. Phil…shows like this; because our minds become consumed with what is fed into our brains.

Conformed

We cannot be conformed to this world. The Bible is a trustworthy guide for life. The world’s way leads to death. Choose this day who you will serve- God or devil? It’s easy to say God- yet, are we ready to offer our bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God. In Romans 12:1 this is listed as a spiritual act of worship. Becoming a Christian is the best decision ever. No longer conforming to this world, yet, transforming by the renewal of our minds is refreshing. Why would we not want to do this? There is nothing the world offers to be trusted.

Moving Forward- Renewed

As we move forward this weekend, let’s evaluate actions/habits/thoughts- conformed or transformed? Once we have renewed our minds, we can test God’s will- finding God’s will to be good, acceptable, and perfect. This is God’s Will for each of us- anything opposite is not from God.

Be encouraged!