TRANSFORMED

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. Romans 12:2, NIV

If we want to have lasting change in our life, we need to refocus our mind. Specifically, we need to change our thought patterns away from what we don't want to focus on and toward what we do want to focus on. Because whatever we focus on is what we move toward.

Today's verse gives us the blueprint to change our thought patterns: "Do not conform." How often do we let other people shape our lives? God doesn't want us to be like someone else; He wants us to be the person He made us to be. So don't conform. Don't try to be like anybody else... the pattern of this world. "Pattern" means the model of everything we have learned in life. If we want to change, we have to change our pattern or model of living that we learned in our life. We need to replace the old, unhealthy pattern with a new one modeled after the life of Christ.

"Be transformed by the renewing of your mind" means that you are going to have to do some putting off and you are going to have to do some putting on. It's just like trying on clothes in a department store. Before you can try on the new stuff, you have to take off the old stuff. We're going to have to let go of the old attitudes, the old thought patterns, the old images that we've been living with, so we can put on the new garments God has for us.

As the old hymn says, "Have thine own way, Lord... mold me and make me after thy will!" Let's gladly offer Him our heart, our life, and our future to use for His glory!!!

Father, thank You for this day and for Your life-changing Word. Lord, open the windows of heaven and shine down Your abundant blessings upon us and our family today. Lord, help us to take captive all thoughts that are not from You. Lord, help us to hunger for Your knowledge and wisdom, to fill our minds with Your Word and Your love. Our hearts belong only to You, Lord. Lord, thank You for Your direction and guidance to enable us to live a better life through You. Lord, use us to be a bold witness of Your mercy, grace, peace, and joy to those we meet today.

Father, we love You. Amen.