do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind
Living out the word of God is soo crucial in our day today especially with everything that is going on in the world around us. It seems everyone is living for the self rather than for the Lord (For none of us lives to himself, and no one dies to himself. For if we live, we live to the Lord; and if we die, we die to the Lord. Therefore, whether we live or die, we are the Lord’s. Romans 14:7-8). Being set apart from the world is something that is required from us and we have to make a choice about how we want to live for Christ.
“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. 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 12:1-2”
In romans 12:1 we are asked to make choice about the way we live for Christ. Taking into consideration the mercies of God, both past, present and future, the request is to present our whole bodies as a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God. Presenting our whole bodies is a reminder that we do not own our bodies as it was given to us by God. (Don't you know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and who was given to you by God? You do not belong to yourselves but to God; he bought you for a price. So use your bodies for God's glory. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20). In presenting our bodies as a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, we are dedicating our life to the service of God and He intends it to be holy.
In verse 2 of Romans 12 we are reminded not to be conformed to the worlds systems and the popular culture which is in contrary/against and in rebellion to the kingdom of God. In this scripture we see that there will be a push to influence us to conform to the worlds systems however we have to resist this by the renewing of our minds. (In conclusion, my brothers and sisters, fill your minds with those things that are good and that deserve praise: things that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely, and honourable. Philippians 4:8)
As children of God we have to think differently as we are governed by the Kingdom of God. (But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light: 1 Peter 2:9)
In verse 1 of Romans 12 we are called to present our bodies and in verse 2 we are called to give our minds.
“The word’s reality on life is based upon the lies of the devil.”
Today I encourage you to renew your minds by focusing and filling it with God’s reality through His word and as you do I pray that the Holy Spirit transforms you so that the world may come to know the Lord you serve is a living God who is still at work in peoples lives.
With love,
Kafui /YAFC TEAM
