“Do not copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.” Romans 12:2 (NIV)
It feels as if our planet is becoming a crazier, darker place by the minute. People are hurt and angry causing havoc at every turn. The headlines keep producing unthinkable crimes with divisive behaviors from adults who act more like children not getting their own way. What is the solution to this unending, sinful cycle? Hearts that need to be transformed by Jesus. Sadly, some churches are so focused on being “relevant” that they have overlooked the importance of sharing the gospel and living it out. This is the time when we (as believers) need to be the boldest, shout the loudest, and live more like Jesus, who wasn’t afraid to stand up and stand strong against the currents of culture.
It’s a scary world out there and I’m trying my best to not only prepare my children for it, but to instill in them a heart that desires to follow the Lord above all else. But if I can confess, I sometimes wonder how a Christian mom can have a serious impact of faith with her own child(ren) when their surroundings are influenced by such ungodliness? I hold on to the truth in Romans 12:2 as a living testimony and God’s unlimited power, as I pray for my children.
“Do not copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.” Romans 12:2 (NIV)
This verse is God’s invitation - and warning - to reject the values and behaviors of the world we live in because it is filled with deceiving enticements, dangerous falsehoods, and destructive systems. We need to let go of our fears and let God change our hearts and our minds to trust in Him to enjoy the beauty of His unfathomable love; to understand the wisdom of His absolute truth, and to live in His righteous freedom.
Oh, how great that sounds...but why is letting go and trusting God so hard sometimes? It’s like living in a constant battle of the mind. When we allow God to change the patterns of our thoughts, He will lead our minds to peace. What a wonderful place that is to be especially as moms who have never-ending cares, concerns and responsibilities for our children. From the safety of our little ones that demand so much of our attention, to the developing elementary stage that needs our constant reassurance, and to our teens and young adults that need our direction, etc. It’s so important that we are who we tell them they should be. The most impactful part about parenthood is being able to demonstrate for our children the power of God at work in us, so they are desperate to experience Christ for themselves.
God’s Word tells us we have a choice to make. We can follow the flow of culture, or we can opt to reject the ways of the world, and let God mold us into something beautiful and useful and lovely. When we do that, we become transformed – a new person – one that will live changed, so that we can model for our children how they too can rise above the darkness and be equipped to face this world with the confidence of Christ.
Heavenly Father, help us let go of our fears and let You transform us into the new person you would have us become. Help us model for our children what it means to trust You and live according to Your good and perfect will.
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