This post is Day 5 in a series of studies about “A Living Sacrifice”, I strongly suggest you begin with the introduction to this study, please click here to read it.

Feel free to comment below with your own thoughts about each verse and how you will be acting on each thought. Also, if you haven’t yet signed up to receive the notifications of new studies, you can do that today (the form is at the bottom of the page).

A Living Sacrifice – Day 5

The only way to change is to have our minds renewed, and the only way to do that is to spend time with Jesus, our Father God and the Holy Spirit. Regularly being in the presence of someone for long periods of time changes us to do things their way.

Romans 12:2

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.

The Thought

Now we are beginning to see what Paul really wants us to learn. His first call for his readers is that they are transformed. Not physically but mentally and emotionally.

Many people who have tried to transform their bodies with exercise and diet have failed because they have not had the vision needed to succeed. Most personal changes need to begin in our minds and be held on to mentally as a vision to accomplish.

Paul is telling us here that following current trends in fashion, wearing the “right” clothes, having a modern hair style, watching the films others are watching, are of no importance in the greater scheme of things.

Even having “good” habits such as going to church, not using bad language, being a good marriage partner, have no spiritual importance and do not gain credit in Heaven.

The only way to change is to have our minds renewed, and the only way to do that is to spend time with Jesus, Father God and Holy Spirit, (all three are the same). Being in someone’s presence regularly and for long periods of time changes us to do things their way. Most of us are quick to pick up the habits of others in our lives.

Action

Ask Jesus today to help you live more with Him and pick up His habits.

Think about things you do regularly and ask yourself if they are good habits. Where did they come from? Why do you do things that way? Why do you think the way you do?

Bless those who have helped you to develop good habits and pray for help to change the bad ones.