Paul beseeches us, believers, by the mercies of God, to present our bodies as a living sacrifice to God (See Romans 12:1-2). Pastor Eric shone the light on why we fail to do this. We are not captivated by the Holy Spirit because we forget our “before Christ” life. We conform to this world instead of being transformed by the renewing of our minds through the Scriptures. Additionally, we fail to evaluate our lives correctly. We shouldn’t think of ourselves more highly than we ought to (Romans 12:3). Notice Paul doesn’t say we are not to think of ourselves highly, but rather not more highly than what is right and true.
The information age has brought with it great advantages to us, as well as lots of danger, lurking in the corners of the world wide web. We have all the information that ever existed from the beginning of civilisation to date, through the smartphones tethered to our palms. We are hearing many voices. The systems of the world are working on overdrive to ensure we conform to them and not to the Word of the Lord.
Failure to meditate on the Word of God and memorise Scripture leaves believers open to every wind of doctrine and “other voices”. These believers conform to the patterns of this world forcing them to become masquerading Christians – tired and exhausted. They forget who uniquely made them or that they have nothing that they didn’t receive (1 Corinthians 4:7). They join the popular culture of people who speak as though they made themselves what they are.
Application:
- This week, take time to reflect on your own beliefs. How much are they shaped by the Scriptures or popular culture?
- Do you want to make something of yourself? Become a servant of the Lord Jesus Christ. God will in turn make you into all He wants you to be.
Prayer:
Dear God, You, who made the universe in a week, I know that You are lovingly and patiently moulding me into what I ought to be. Help me yield to You, the Potter, for I am the clay. Amen.
