Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. (Rom. 12:2)
Expanded Passage: Romans 12:1-8
God has a pattern he would like us to be molded into. So does the world. Whether we realize it or not, we are constantly being formed by someone or something. Who is it? What is shaping you into the person you are becoming? Is it the Holy Spirit, or is it some other influence? Whether you realize it or not, you are being formed.
Think about everything you watched on television this past week. Did it cause you to hunger after Jesus, or to lust after the ways of sin? Would your use of time give evidence that you are a follower of Jesus? What about your choices in entertainment, social media, music, and even conversation? All have a direct impact on who we are becoming.
The Bible is still the single most powerful influence in shaping us into the image of Christ. God’s Word is powerful and effective. It fills and shapes our mind with God’s truths, his ways. One survey I read recently reported that if a person reads the Bible at least four times a day, one verse at a time, that person is less likely to give in to temptation and fall into sin. Amazing! The best way to be transformed really is by the renewal of our minds. Garbage in, garbage out. But put God’s Word in, and God’s way of living will come out.
Begin the practice of daily Bible reading.
Jim Dunn is the president of Oklahoma Wesleyan University. He previously served as the executive director of the Church Multiplication and Discipleship for The Wesleyan Church.
© 2024 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission. Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.
