Do not conform 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. Rom. 12:2
So much of Romans is about living a life pleasing to God. If we are really Christians, that should be our number one goal in life. The Baptists would say, no, it's witnessing. But witnessing is a way we please God. Others would say loving our neighbors. Yes, but loving our neighbors is a way we please God. Did I wake up this morning thinking, "How can I please God today?" No, but I should have.
So how do I figure out what pleases God today? First of all, I could start by asking Him, "Show me what pleases you today, open my eyes to see it and help me to be obedient to it even if it goes against my natural inclinations. My goal is to please You today." Second, read His word and see if there is something He is telling you. Lastly, Paul would say in this verse, analyze in what area of my life am I conforming to the pattern of the world?
What is the pattern of the world? My dad would have said, "Get all you can and can all you get," meaning accruing possessions or wealth that isn't going to last. Maybe we should think about who could I give money to today? As I look in the mirror and see aging and gravity, maybe the pattern of this world is keeping up with those who are paraded before us as looking so much better than us. How much time do we spend on our bodies that Peter describes as tents? My skin is starting to look like canvas! We are going to get new bodies, stop wasting so much time! The pattern of this world is self-gratification. What will make me happy today? I just saw it in a TV show yesterday. A person wrestling with life was told to "Just find out what makes you happy." How about finding out what makes someone else happy today?
I want to make God happy today. How about you?
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