TRANSFORMED OR CONFORMED?

In the book of Romans Chapter 12 verse 2 it says " Do not be conformed anymore to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind so then you may be able to test and approve what God's will is. His good, pleasing, and perfect will."  What  does this mean exactly for someone who says they are a Christian?

 First of all we know the world and America is getting less and less Christian friendly. Christians who take a Biblical stand against a sinful act are called 'hateful' when in fact no one said anything about hate. All they do is stand up for what the believe in the Bible. Society is trying to get sinful behaviors accepted. This has been a topic of mine previously but bears repeating. The more and more you accept sin and immorality the less it bothers you what is happening. You get desensitized. The more you stay in the true word of God and study it the more the more will know the standards of right and wrong and good and evil in the Bible.

Satan hates the Bible because it has power to change and transform lives. There is that word 'transform' which means change. If you start taking God's word into your heart by reading it on a daily basis you can not help but be changed. The problem  is many Christians are just Sunday church goers with no active spiritual life beyond the doors of their church on Sunday. How can you know about God if you do not get into his word? How can you  know how to dance unless you are dedicated to dance class? You get the idea. Practice and study are what it takes.

 When the Holy Spirit does truly come into your heart you will desire his word and want to devour it. That at least was my experience back in 1975 when I rededicated my life to Christ. The word has the power to make you into a 'nonconformist' so to speak. Who will be left to speak out against the atrocities of a sin filled life and sin filled nation if we all conform to the standards set by our world?
1 Peter 3:15  says "Instead you must worship Christ  as Lord of your life and if someone asks you about your Christian hope be ready to explain it." Set your standards as godly standards but not in a self righteous way. Be a light in the world to make people around you want what you have.

 How about you? Do you conform too much to the pattern of the world? Each person needs to examine their heart and ask themselves if they appear too much like the world and less like Jesus.

 PRAYER: Father I thank you for the Bible which is the word of truth. Help me Lord not make excuses for why I am too busy to read it each day. Forgive me for the times I have been too absorbed into the culture and pattern of this world. Give me your strength to make a difference for you wherever you place me. In Jesus name.Amen.

Click on link for a great song of praise.
http://youtu.be/8vNPcmLzlvI