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.
As believers we have been called to a personal dedication, where our lives are a reflection of Christ and our bodies a living sacrifice to the Lord. It is our spiritual worship and our reasonable service to surrender our lives, ourselves, and our bodies to the Lord each day. The fallen world and sinful man is all too ready to squeeze us into its own mould and to foster in us a worldly mindset, where God is far removed. Our own sinful nature rebels against the Spirit, Who dwells within. We are warned not to be conformed to this world, but rather to be transformed by the renewing of our minds. The nature of sin is programmed to be conformed to the world, but the transforming work of the indwelling Holy Spirit requires the continuous and ongoing renewing of our mind, so that our thoughts are influenced by the mind of Christ. Day by day, rededication of ourselves to His service is a lifelong program, which we need to choose consciously. Transformation does not take place overnight, but is dependent on the hidden values of the heart being translated into the active practice of our thoughts and motives. It is a freewill choice to shun that which is evil and to honor the Lord in beautiful thoughts, beautiful words, and beautiful deeds, by choosing to do what is right and holy. If we would just turn our spirit and soul towards the Lord Jesus, we would automatically have to turn away from the things of this world. And if each one of us sets our heart, mind, will, and affection to concentrate upon Him, of necessity, we would not be conformed to the leanings of the world, but transformed into the character of Christ. May we turn from the things of this world in willing submission to God’s training, so that, like Jesus Christ, we may live in spirit and truth, and walk in the light as He is in the light and love others as He loves us; until in all things we can say, “Father, Thy Will Be Done in me.”
Spiritual Steve 