Scripture references: Romans 12:2

     "And be not conformed [fashioned like,
     conformed to the same pattern]
     to this world: but be ye transformed
     by the renewing of your mind, that ye
     may prove what is that good, and
     acceptable, and perfect [complete; mature in labor,
     growth, mental and moral character], will of God. "

This month has been especially difficult since I have allowed myself
to become distracted by the world and the things in it. My former
self reared its ugly head and the Word got a choked out for a few
weeks. I need to hear this renewed mind sharing more than you all!
How I feel humbled!

1 Peter 1:14

     As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves
     according to the former lusts in your ignorance:

      But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye
     holy in all manner of conversation [behavior];

      Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.

Our Daddy wants us to imitate Him and be followers of Him. He wants us to be holy, set
apart, sanctified, fit for His purpose. If His vessel, which He purposed to be holy, to be a
witness to someone only that person could reach, to become a teacher or a prophet or a
pastor, stays in or strays back into darkness, God will not be able to fulfill that call through that
person. His purpose will not be fulfilled.

The Greek words translated "not fashioning" and "be not conformed" are the only two
uses of this term in the New Testament. The context in both places are definitive and descriptive!

The world represents everything earthly, sensual and devilish. [ James 3:15] At one time, we
were ignorant about our lusts. Because the world was like that, we were like that. After all, we
were born dead in trespasses and sins. [ Ephesians 2:1-3] We did not know any better. But
our loving, Heavenly Father has chastened us, [ Hebrews 12:5-9] and has taught us the way to
live above the world. He taught us to put off the old man which is dead in deceitful lusts and to
put on the new man which is created in righteousness and true holiness. [ Ephesians 4:24] He
has taught us to no longer conform or fashion ourselves like the world. He has said we have
spent enough time living according to the world. He has taught us to be transformed by
renewing our minds. He wants us to be holy like He is holy in all our behavior. He teaches us
to resist stedfastly in faith [I Peter 5:8, 9] with the precious promises of the Word
[2 Peter 1:4].

Titus 2:12

     Teaching us that, denying [ rejecting, disavowing]
     ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live
     soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world.

If anyone wants to heap your old man back into your lap, do not believe it. Reject it. You are
the righteousness of God now. Put this on.

Col 3:10

     And have put on the new man, which is renewed in
     knowledge after the image of him that created him.

We are renewed by a more emphatic experiential knowledge about Christ.
It is a knowledge that indicates we thoroughly KNOW something by experience. We have
lived it. We understand it. This begins with knowing Jesus Christ, intimately and personally.
(For other studies related to this, see the How Jesus Loved Series or read the Gospels thoroughly for yourself). It extends by applying what you know, and continues with reaping the
fruit from it. In other words, knowing Jesus like this is not an over
night thing.It takes time. It takes time to become renewed and to come
to know Him by experience and with understanding.

As I struggle with certain "former lusts" and recognize the distraction, as I struggle to keep on
the mind of Christ, purposefully questioning my motives, I understand more why I need to put
off the old and put on the new. I recognize the wisdom in avoiding the old places I used to hang
out in, because I become fashioned like them again, as if I never left to begin with. It's a worse
state than the beginning! [2 Peter 2:20] I begin to think like it, act like it and desire the old
things all over again. It is a spiral road down to the mire to No-wheres-ville. I need to put on
the mind of Christ and recognize those places are not befitting for sons of God! I am free
from that bondage!

God, I want to be well pleasing in your sight I want to become fully
mature in Christ, a transformed Christian! I want to be a beautiful
butterfly, strong in the Lord and in the power of His might! I want
to live above and not beneath! I want to prove you now! Please help
me overcome my old man, by knowing Christ, applying the promises
and rejecting the world. Help me stand stedfast, vigilant and faithful.
I need you to help me change! Amen.

-Carol Kenreigh

Please mail comments to kenreigh@bww.com

God's Word Daily Back Issues 1-36
God's Word Daily BAck Issues 37-73
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