•Friday, January 21, 2011
"Do not conform to the pattern of this world any longer, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind." Romans 12:2 NIV
It's not a new problem. Every generation has faced it on some level or another. How do we live in our culture without allowing it to influence our thoughts and behaviors to be contrary to the Word of God?
We can't escape the messages that are sent to us every day through the various forms of media or through the people that we live and work with. Satan has successfully worked to erode the Christian principles that were once foundational to our country. On every side we are assualted by sexuality, materialism and greed, and the philosophy of pursuing personal pleasure at all costs.
The only way to counteract this influence is to be grounded in the truth. If you know the truth, you can easily recognize the false ideas that are trying to creep into your thinking. Spending time in prayer and in reading the Bible are the keys to spiritual transformation. Willpower is not enough. There needs to be a personal invitation for the Holy Spirit to renew your mind daily.
Jesus spoke to each of these philosophies: "anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart," (Matt. 5:28); "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth... but store up for yourselves treasures in heaven..." (Matt. 6:19-20); "Anyone who does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me. Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it" (Matt. 10:38-39).
It's not a new problem. Every generation has faced it on some level or another. How do we live in our culture without allowing it to influence our thoughts and behaviors to be contrary to the Word of God?
We can't escape the messages that are sent to us every day through the various forms of media or through the people that we live and work with. Satan has successfully worked to erode the Christian principles that were once foundational to our country. On every side we are assualted by sexuality, materialism and greed, and the philosophy of pursuing personal pleasure at all costs.
The only way to counteract this influence is to be grounded in the truth. If you know the truth, you can easily recognize the false ideas that are trying to creep into your thinking. Spending time in prayer and in reading the Bible are the keys to spiritual transformation. Willpower is not enough. There needs to be a personal invitation for the Holy Spirit to renew your mind daily.
Jesus spoke to each of these philosophies: "anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart," (Matt. 5:28); "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth... but store up for yourselves treasures in heaven..." (Matt. 6:19-20); "Anyone who does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me. Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it" (Matt. 10:38-39).
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1 comments:
I just wanted to take a minute to thank you for sharing with me. Great verses to think upon!