Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. – Romans 12:2

This Scripture passage presents us with a choice. We can either pick up the behaviors and customs of this world, or we can let God transform us into our true selves.

Stated that way, it doesn’t seem like a hard choice. Who wouldn’t want to be transformed by God? And yet most of us find it extremely difficult to resist the influence of the world around us.

Almost without knowing it, we absorb ideas, attitudes, and habits that keep us stuck in our old, reactive ways.

Jesus says, “Don’t worry.” But we can’t sleep because of anxiety or worrying about the past.

Jesus says, “Love your neighbor.” But we’re concerned that the wrong sort of person has moved in next door or we find it hard to love some people.

Jesus says, “The truth will set you free.” But we can’t help thinking that little white lies can make everything easier and honesty with others is sometimes hard.

The key point Paul is making is that transformation begins with changing the way we think. Our thoughts generate our feelings, and our feelings generate our behaviors. If we want to live and act the way God wants us to, we must begin by thinking differently.

Ask Yourself
What are some of the behaviors and customs you have picked up from the world?

Do you agree that our thoughts generate our feelings? Have you ever seen this work in your life?

Ask God
Dear Jesus, I want to become my true self—the person you created me to be.

Give me discernment to recognize when I have picked up worldly thinking, and help me replace those thoughts with your thoughts.

My prayer is that each of us will find where we have “stinking thinking” and prayerfully offer that part of our lives to God so that we can be transformed today.

Blessings,

Chaplain Rob