May 31, 2012 (Proverbs 16-18; Romans 12)
From the Life Journal of Adam Proux:
Scripture: “Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.” Romans 12:2 NLT
Observation: Paul is speaking to the Christian brothers and sisters in Rome. He urges them not to conform to the behavior and customs of the world, but rather embrace the offer by God to transform their minds and the way they think. When the Holy Spirit enters into a person their thoughts and attitudes change. They are transformed, from what they once were, into something altogether new and wonderful. At the moment of salvation a process of learning begins and we receive the responsibility to grow in God’s grace by applying God’s truth in our daily lives. Then, and only then, can we learn what God’s good and pleasing and perfect will is for our lives.
Application: God’s holy word is alive and well even in our modern technology advanced society. His words of warning from thousands of years ago are still relevant and applicable in this present day. As Christians we must not copy or conform to the behavior and customs of this world, we need more than ever to be transformed. Our minds have been clouded with all sorts of heresy and our senses have been desensitized. Sin that was once committed in secret, has now been accepted and condoned openly by those who have copied the behavior and customs of this world. The behavior and customs of this world will lead you to utter ruin, yet there is hope. That hope is found in Jesus Christ and Him alone. By the power of the Holy Spirit, Jesus can transform you into a new person, by changing the way you think.
Prayer: Dear Lord, thank You for this day. Thank You for Your mercy and grace that provide and protect me every day. Thank You for Your word that teaches me and instructs me in the ways of righteousness. Transform the way I think, keep me from copying the behavior and customs of this world. Open my ears to hear what the Spirit says, open my eyes to see what the Spirit reveals, open my heart and mind to receive what the Spirit teaches, in Jesus name, Amen!