Are you conformed to this world? Christians are told “Do not be conformed any longer to the pattern 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 – His good, pleasing and perfect will.” Romans 12:2
Well, here is a simple test. Please answer the following questions from your heart. Imagine meeting a famous celebrity and a new Christian on the same day. Neither had been previously known by you. Upon arriving home, who is the first person you would tell your family you had met? You have an opportunity to witness to a small group in the inner city, and a famous politician calls you for a private meeting at the same time. Would you cancel the group meeting?
When reciting your family history, do you immediately tell of all the famous people to whom you are related? In social gatherings, do you drop the names of celebrities, sports figures, and politicians you have met? Do you brag about the intellect, talent, and abilities of someone close to you? Do you believe that people are rich because of their great talent, ability, and effort? Do you really believe that the end of the world will be determined by politicians? By polls? By the opinion of an entertainer who only a few months ago was a waiter?
See how easy it is to be influenced by and conformed to this world. The world has done a good job convincing us all that it is of the ultimate importance.
The Apostle John writes, “Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For everything in the world –
the cravings of the sinful man, the lust of his eyes, and the boasting of what he has and does – comes not from the Father but from the world. The world and its desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever.” I John 2:15-18
We are to live above the world, not allowing it to tell us who is important, who is not, or who we are to listen to. Christians are not of this world. We’re in this world, but not of it. We are ambassadors of the Kingdom of God. When we get to heaven, so many of the great people of this world will be absent. Hard to believe…they were so important here. But we will be there. We look around and see people walking, driving, working, and never giving a thought about the Kingdom above. All blinded. This Kingdom is passing and will give way to our Lord. In this I rejoice, do not be conformed any longer to the pattern of this world.
I am privileged and blessed to meet with and talk to the most important people in the world every day. I am talking about Christians, members of the body of Christ.
LIFE LESSON: You are of greater importance than anyone in the world, your opinions count more, you are more unique, you have more value because you are God’s child. Don’t you forget that. Praise be to God! Be transformed by the renewing of your mind.