You can also listen to this devotion on You Tube: Transformed or Conformed.
After my conversion, I had an initial burst of renewal. I devoured my Bible and Christian books, and eagerly sought Christian teaching, fellowship and worship.
Many new believers experience this dramatic change in desires and worldview. But this fervency often wanes.
Have you wondered why some Christians mature and some don't?
Romans 12:1-2 says growth comes from viewing ourselves as "living sacrifices" and letting God transform our minds.
"Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. 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."
It's good to evaluate our growth periodically:
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Many new believers experience this dramatic change in desires and worldview. But this fervency often wanes.
Have you wondered why some Christians mature and some don't?
Romans 12:1-2 says growth comes from viewing ourselves as "living sacrifices" and letting God transform our minds.
"Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. 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."
It's good to evaluate our growth periodically:
- Are our lives still on God's altar?
- Are we regularly transforming our minds with Biblical influences? (See Transforming our Minds)
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I encourage you to check out the Wisdom for Life Devotional. It contains 100 one-minute devotions to challenge, encourage, instruct, and inspire your love for God's Word: Wisdom for Life. Read the story behind Wisdom for Life HERE. And find out about the two free Bible studies with purchase HERE.
I also encourage you to sign up for a free subscription to Bible Love Notes and get a free e-booklet. Find out more HERE.
Transformation is arduous, isn't it? We may have serious and pressing concerns in our lives that continue no matter how much we pray and ask others to pray. How do we live in that context? When we can take so little time to focus on transforming when seemingly God has set a course in front of us that doesn't lend itself to much introspection. Personally, I ask God to speak loud and clear as it's been proven that I am a slow learner and have often missed his messages. I've settled for making no decisions hastily and proceeding according to what the Bible teaches. If God doesn't agree with what I'm doing, he hasn't said so, so far at least....
ReplyDeleteHi Susan,
Deleteyes, transformation is arduous as described in Philippians 3:12-13. And I agree that there are often concerns in our lives that don't resolve when we wish they would, even when we pray regularly. Sometimes I can look back and thank God that He didn't answer some of those prayers because I realize He saw something I didn't. But sometimes I will have to wait until I get to heaven to understand.
I think your way of making decisions is wise, using the Bible as your guide, and moving forward if you don't hear God saying "no." He knows our hearts and knows we are seeking to do His will, so He will redirect us when necessary. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
6For I am confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will continue to perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus. 7It is right for me to feel this way about all of you, since I have you in my heart.
ReplyDelete