The pastor asked this morning for people to share a scripture that was speaking to you, or on your hearts, this week. I didn’t feel that I needed to go up front and share this time, but the scripture that was on my mind this week is the following…
“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
This past week, I have considered this with a few areas…
1- Pride
I closed my little shop for three weeks and have been working on a house project with Steve. I also took a little trip for just a few days. I went to work on writing, but ended up leaving with something different…
After I got set up and ready to work on what I hoped would be “the book” that I have been hoping to write for some time (as I am sure some of you have heard me mention), I felt like I really didn’t want to…like it was really going to be a great effort. Instead of forcing the issue, I decided to re-examine and pray if this was the path I should take. In short, the conclusion of the matter is that, I am still open to that possibility, but for now, I was putting the pressure on myself…letting it hang over my head; and for the time-being, I don’t believe it is a desire that God has placed on my heart. Perhaps, in the future?…but for now, I am lighter for it. I think it is easy to fall into these ideas that tie up our thoughts—and time—when perhaps it isn’t the very best use of our time.
Was the motivation for my book still the pride of being recognized or known for something great? That may sound silly, but I guess we all want some sort of admiration. If I write a book eventually, may the desire planted within me; the words that come out of me; and the reach of it be 100-percent inspired by God.
[“Do not conform to this world…”]
2- Fear
I left super early to come home on Friday. It was still dark…and I had to drive a detour. I was telling Steve later that, in the past, I would have been scared for him to drive me on that detour, let alone, drive it myself—in the dark! I am amazed at how God has (and is) growing me.
The sermon this morning, mentioned fear, and this subject had already been on my mind. The Bible says over and over—and over—to “Fear not,” but it is so easy to fear. If I am anxious for any reason, if I will stop and check myself, it is rooted in fear…even if it something that seems as minor as…
Will I be late?
Will I have this finished in time?
What will “they” think of me?
Or, as major as…
Will my family be safe?
Something that may seem so simple, can cause us to feel anxious. If I will stop, examine, and pray—and surrender (not always easy, but “For nothing will be impossible with God.”” / Luke 1:37 ESV)—what I am fearing to the Lord, He (the Great Physician) will no doubt meet me where I am. After all, He’s the One who says to, “Fear not.” May we never accept a weakness, or a sin, as a part of who we are. May we never limit God and His infinite power by NOT trusting.
When Mom was in the hospital a couple of years ago, I had difficulty trusting when I couldn’t “see around the corner.” God helped me to realize that He could be trusted…something I already knew, but now have experienced in a new way…yet again.
[“Do not conform to this world…”]
3- Communication
On another note, I have been thinking about our communication as Christians. Communication has been something that I am passionate about since (at least) I remember a conversation at 17-years old with Steve at 19-years old, on how important communication in our upcoming marriage would be. To this day, I feel the same way, not only in our marriage, but also, in relationships in general.
In our world of social media and texting, as Christians, we must be mindful in what we are communicating by our comments, our responses, and sometimes our non-responses.
Are we showing the love of Christ?
Are we being a light for Him?
Are treating others the way we want to be treated in our interactions…or non-interactions?
Do we take time to love by listening?
Do we show the love of Christ by acknowledging those outside our circle of close friends if the opportunity is in front of us?
What are we communicating?
[“Do not conform to this world…”]
I think Satan would love for us to ‘conform’ to this world…in how we think, who we run to for our problems rather than first running to God, and how we treat others; but the remainder of that verse says…
“…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.”
One definition of renew means, “to revive; reestablish.” [Dictionary.com app] There are so many distractions in this world, whether the news and politics, or the busy schedules with activities, work, and commitments, that it can be so easy to get our eyes on things other than God. So, how can we make sure that we are regularly renewing and reestablishing?
Making sure to step back and think of God; thank Him; and read His Word, daily if at all possible. If we fill our minds daily with outside influences, we, all the more, NEED to fill our minds with scripture.
With the times we are living in, we must be on guard and stand firm on His promises…depending on Him and His Word. Trust that He is in control. Renew our minds. Don’t conform…then we can know His perfect and acceptable will for our lives. And, as we refuse to conform, but are transformed, we can celebrate living for Him…the abundant life.
“You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.” / Isaiah 26:3 ESV
“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” {~Jesus} / John 10:10 ESV
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