Listen

Don’t be conformed to the patterns of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds so that you can figure out what God’s will is—what is good and pleasing and mature.

Romans 12:2

Think

Transformation is central to the Christian experience. Jesus’ resurrection from the dead and his transfiguration on the mountaintop are perhaps the most obvious examples, but transformation happens in the everyday lives of everyday Christians like us, and God delights in our transformations! God’s hope for us is that we live each day discerning God’s will in our lives, then use our lives to continue working for goodness in all of creation.

In our scripture for today, the apostle Paul reminds us not to look outward to what the world wants from us but to turn inward, listening for the still, small voice of God. We are inundated daily by the world’s definitions of success, worthiness, and popularity, but the God of love and goodness has a different value system. We may find ourselves falling into the trap of worldly definitions; however, our God of transformation is always right there, waiting to draw us back to our true identity as beloved children of God.

Lauren Dunn

Question to Ponder:

How can you discern what is a pattern of this world and what is the will of God in your life?

Pray

God, I know that your will for me and your love for me transcend the patterns of the world. When I turn my focus away from discerning your will, help me to return to your goodness. Amen.

Go

Go into the world resting in the confidence of your identity in God, who designed you, loves you, and goes with you every step of the way.