Day 48 "Be Transformed by the Spiritual Renewal of Your Mind" (Romans: Chapter 12)

There was a three volume series called Extraordinary Popular Delusions and the Madness of Crowds that was written back in 1841 by Scottish journalist Charles Mackay. To summarize his writings, suffice it to say that we as human beings mostly act out in a "herd- like" mentality. In other words, we basically move and conform to our group setting. As an example:

In the 1600's, there arose such an investment hysteria among the Dutch people that at one point, a single tulip bulb sold for more than 10 times the annual income of a skilled worker. Imagine that- just one tulip bulb sold for more than 10 times the annual salary of a skilled laborer! Ten times! Foolishness. And, then, the tulip market collapsed and prices fell all the way back to where they simply sold as flowers again.

In the twelfth chapter of Romans, Paul exhorts us not to be conformed or molded into the patterns of this world but to be transformed by the renewing of our minds. If, in fact, we are prone to following what is acceptable to the group, we will find difficulty thinking independently for ourselves. But if we allow ourselves to be guided by the Holy Spirit within us, then we will be able to see and understand things differently- from God's perspective.

Verse 1: "Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God- this is your spiritual act of worship."

Verse 3: "Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgement."

Verse 5: "so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others."

Verse 6: "We have different gifts, according to the grace given us."

Verse 9: "Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good."

Verse 12: "Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer."

Verse 13: "Share with God's people in need. Practice hospitality."

Verse 14: "Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse."

Verse 15: "Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.

Verse 16: "Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited."

Verse 17: "Do not repay anyone evil for evil."

Verse 18: "If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone."

Verse 19: "Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath."

Verse 20: "If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head."

Verse 21: "Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good."

Key verses for me:

Verse 2: "Do not conform any longer to the patterns 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-"

Verse 10: "Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves."

God's ways seems so contrary to the world's ways. The world's way seems to focus most of our attention and actions based on "self." Advertisers use this much to their advantage and seek to sell us all kinds of things to help us be well and to prosper. And who desires to stand out differently from the crowd and risk possible rejection by others? Isn't it much easier and less threatening simply to fall in line and be like everyone else? No wonder we like to be like the Jones who live next door. But it behooves us to ask the question, "In the end, what will my life count for?" Everyone seems to be in such a hurry these days to get somewhere, but it takes a little time to reflect where is it that one truly desires to go? Slow down and take some time to think for yourself. What are the things that are really important in life? What things will outlast the temporary nature of this world?

"Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things." Colossians 3:1-2

"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your your treasure is, there your heart will be also." Matthew 6:19-21

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What is truth? Where is the way? Jesus said, "I am the way and the truth and the

life. No one comes to the Father except through me." (John 14:6)

"Whoever tries to keep his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life will preserve it."

Luke 17:33

God's ways, for the most part, is not the world's ways. So, you must choose. God's word says that you cannot serve two masters at the same time. One is temporary, the other eternal. One is focused on self, the other is focused on others. One is based on performance, the other is based on grace. One seems full of anxiety and unrest, the other is calmness and peace. Which way will you choose?

In his love, see you tomorrow...