DEVOTION – DAY 514

Romans 12:2 “Transformed By Renewing”

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.”

Because God has redeemed us from the penalty for our sins by sacrificing His Son, Jesus on the cross, we have a duty to live our lives differently. We can no longer live, as the rest of the world lives, since the world we live in is filled with evil and corrupting influences. The above verse tells us not to conform to the pattern of this world. Instead, we are to be transformed. In the Bible, the word “transformed” is used here to mean a process and not a one-time event. The Bible teaches us that Christians are to begin a life-long process of changing their worldviews to views that are consistent with the Word of God. When they do that, their actions, attitudes, sense of moral values and beliefs will become more and more like Jesus Christ. As the Christians mature in Christ, they will be able to discern God’s will for them. God’s will refer to what God wants from every believer right where they are. God’s Will results in our spiritual and moral growth that is pleasing to God, not necessarily pleasing to us. 

A man was excited after getting his first job. Soon, the excitement wore off and he found himself often comparing himself with his peers. He wanted to earn more and become successful quickly. He did not realize that he had begun to conform to the pattern of the world, where success was measured by wealth, position and status. He found that he was never satisfied with what he had. Once he had gotten a promotion, he started to look for newer challenges and ways to climb further up the corporate ladder. Then, disaster struck. Covid-19 came and he was retrenched because he was in an industry badly affected by the global pandemic. This crisis caused him to reassess his life and his priorities. He realized that he needed to spend more time with God, and to get to know the Bible better. God’s Word was the only way he knew that would give him peace. He eventually started an online business that enabled him to have better work-life balance. He is studying the Bible regularly. The experience had enabled him to be more mature in Christ. Looking back, his retrenchment was part of God’s plan for him to draw closer to God. 

Let us pray: Heavenly Father, forgive us for falling into the temptation of conforming to the pattern of this world. Please grant us the strength and wisdom to put you and your kingdom first in our lives so that we can be transformed by the renewal of our minds through the interaction of your Word. We pray in the precious name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.

Questions

1. What are some areas that many people fall into conforming to the pattern of this world? Discuss.
2. Why is the pattern of this world so attractive but ultimately disappointing? Discuss.
3. What are some ways you can be transformed by the renewal of your mind? Share.
4. Will you commit to regular Bible Study, join a Connect Group, serve and regularly pray for others and serve in ministries as ways to be more spiritually matured?