Scripture: “And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” – Romans 12:2
Observation: Paul explains the importance of living for Christ to the believers living in Rome. He details the need to live sacrificially for the Lord, not half-heartedly, but with all that is within us.
Application: Letting God lead us is not only to be done when it is convenient. Our Lord is not a part-time God. In fact, He is very jealous of our commitment to Him. The second commandment confirms this when God speaks of worshiping idols. “Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the LORD thy God am a jealous God…” (Exodus 20:5). Replacing our time with God with anything else makes that replacement item an idol. It can be our work, a hobby, social media… anything that we give more of ourselves to than we give to the Lord.
Does that mean we can never watch television, attend a sports event, or scroll through Facebook? What about unexpected things that pop up in life? What about when we’re just exhausted from a long day at work? Am I worshiping idols if I turn on the television? Of course not! However, we need to carefully examine ourselves and our choice of activities, and ask if we are putting our relationship with God at risk. Are we feeding our faith or starving it?
Paul cautions us to not be as the world. This is a constant battle for all believers. Why? Because we have a very formidable enemy. Satan is the deceiver. He finds ways to make every distraction seem innocent. He feeds us lies that seem reasonable and foster the choices that leave God out. “You deserve some time to decompress. After all, it’s been a rough day.” “It’s only 60 minutes of a tv show.” “You can do your Bible reading later.” One of the biggest lies I struggle with is that last one. The problem for me is that “later” never comes! Yet I seem to always find time to watch a movie or scroll through Instagram! It is so easy to choose flesh over spirit!
Ephesians 5:16 states that we should be “Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.” This means we are to use our time wisely and focus on those things that will grow us spiritually, become closer to God, and reflect Jesus to others. We live in a wicked world that glorifies sin and all things ungodly. The popularity AND acceptability of sin in our culture makes it easy to allow it into our lives without much thought. However, today’s verse commands believers to be clearly set apart from the world, and that does take focused thought.
We must be sure that we do not find ourselves in agreement with the world’s perspective regarding sin. The battle we are in is for the souls of men, and we must stand strong for what is right in the sight of God! When people look at us, they need to see a godly difference in our lives. Without being a reflection of Christ, the unsaved will simply see their own actions reflected in us and thereby have no need to seek out a life with Jesus. Easy? No, but Philippians 4:13 promises, “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.”
Let us determine to follow so closely to Jesus this year that the world will see a profound difference in us, compelling people to want to know why we have such joy and peace when this chaotic world offers no hope. As it says in 1 Peter 3:15, “But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:” Be ready to have that answer!
Prayer: Dearest Lord Jesus, help me to reflect You in my life, not myself. I know that will only happen when I stay close to You and make You first in all things. Help me to make You the priority and start my day with You always. Fill me with the knowledge of Your will and empower me to represent You well to a lost and dying world. I know my flesh is weak, but Your Word says I can do ALL things through Your strength. And for this, I thank You and ask all of these things in Your precious name. Amen.
All to Jesus I surrender, all to Him I freely give;
I will ever love and trust Him, in His presence daily live.
All to Jesus I surrender, make me, Savior, wholly Thine;
Let me feel Thy Holy Spirit, truly know that Thou art mine.
All to Jesus I surrender, Lord, I give myself to Thee;
Fill me with Thy love and power, let Thy blessing fall on me.
I surrender all, I surrender all;
All to Thee, my blessed Savior, I surrender all.
(from “I Surrender All” by Judson W. Van DeVenter)
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“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.” – Romans 12:1