Have We Conformed?

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. Romans 12:2 NIV

I recently shared how the concept of wide/narrow paths had repeatedly surfaced in my life. When I spent time asking God why, His response was two fold. The first, was that it’s easy to idolize the worldly ways of the wide road.

The second was: We as the Church, need to get back on His narrow road ASAP.

I struggled with sharing this message because I’m a sinner just like everyone else. Who am I to declare the Church has gotten off track?!?

But then God reminded me, this is not *my* message, it’s His, and it has been since the beginning of creation.

God has always meant for us as Christ Followers to live set apart for Him.

He also knew living a life for Him would be full of trial and temptations from the world around us.

He knew we would struggle to please self and man before Him.

It is hard work to look at ourselves with a fine tooth comb and consider the question, “In what ways have I conformed to the patterns of the world around me?”

What am I watching on TV, what books am I reading, what songs am I listening to? Do my words and actions reflect love or hate? Is my language pure or soiled? Have I twisted God’s Words into slippery slopes? Am I forgiving? Do I serve with a grateful heart? Do I try my hardest to exemplify a holy, righteous life or do I go with the flow because that’s what everyone else around me is doing?

Hebrews 12: 1-3 reminds and encourages us of this, “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.”

Abba, Thank you for Your grace and forgiveness. May we live only for You. Amen.