Our scripture this morning is Romans 12:2 (NIV).
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.
God’s perfect creation was marred by our choice to go our own way. When He brought His people out of Egypt He gave them a set of guidelines to be able to live together in the land He had promised. However, we found ways to create loopholes in order to do what we want and eventually used the laws as weapons to control each other. Once again we subverted God’s will for us. When Jesus came He taught that we must change internally, not restrained by a system of rules and punishments, but motivated by our love for God and one another. Paul says we must be “transformed by the renewing of your mind.” In Philippians 2:5 he gives similar instruction, saying “Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus.” Thinking like Jesus leads to acting like Jesus, with the promise that someday we can be with Him eternally.
Loving Lord, we are sorry for the times we have gone our own way in disobedience. Forgive us and keep us focused on the example of our Savior, that we may share Your love with the world. Amen.
