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Will You Transform or Conform?

“And do not be conformed to this world [any longer with its superficial values and customs], but be [transformed and progressively changed [as you mature spiritually] by the renewing of your mind [focusing on godly values and ethical attitudes], so that you may prove [for yourselves] what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect [in His plan and purpose for you].” Romans 12:2 Amp

As I’m preparing this post, someone who is angry with me has chosen to write very poor book reviews (although they have never read my books) in an attempt to ‘get back at me for a wrong they feel I have caused them.’ My flesh wants to lash out and get back at them for trying to malign my character. Then I read the scripture above and smile.

You see, it’s one thing to quote scripture and praise the Lord, but it’s quite another to put it into practice. It’s one thing to say you trust God, but what do you do when your back is against the wall?

Romans 12:2 reminds us to mature spiritually, allowing God to change the way we think. So instead of lashing out at this person, I’m choosing to pray for him. I’m releasing him to God and asking him to heal this person’s brokenness. I’m asking God to show me what I need to learn in this situation instead of focusing on how I feel I’ve been wronged. And, I will not pacify my feelings with food.

As you experience difficult situations in your life, do you conform by acting as the world acts by worrying, obsessing about your situation, wallowing in self-pity, try to self-medicate with alcohol, food, or drugs, or try to take matters into your own hands? Or do you allow God to transform your thinking so that you can see the situation from His perspective?

In our Haven Small Group Meeting, we’ve been studying Romans 12:1-2. During our 6:00 a.m. call on Saturday, we took some time and reflected on situations that we were going through (including our weight loss journey) and we asked ourselves if we were conforming or transforming. Were we dealing with our problems the same way the world does, or are we allowing our situations to transform us?

Sometimes it can be difficult to see if we are practicing Godly principles during our trials, or if we’re acting the same as the rest of the world. Here is a list that we came up with.

Reflect on a situation that you are going through right now and ask yourself if you are conforming to the patterns of this world, or if you are being transformed by the renewing of your mind as scripture directs us.

[two_column_block style=”undefined”] [content1]When we conform:

  • we focus on the problem
  • we are fixated on getting results now
  • we complain and worry
  • we focus on perfection
  • we need to be in control
  • we look for solutions from other people
  • we set unrealistic expectations
  • we make decisions based on fear and desperation
  • we obsess about what others think about us and allow it to shape our decisions

[/content1] [content2]When we transform:

  • we focus on God ~ Heb 12:2
  • we focus on God’s timing, not ours ~ Ecc 3:1
  • we trust and pray ~ Phil 4:6
  • we focus on progress ~ 1 Cor 15:58
  • we let God control the situation ~ Prov 19:21
  • we ask God for His best solution ~ Rom 8:28
  • we tell God our desires and leave the rest to Him ~ Ps 37:4
  • we make decisions based on the Word of God ~ Heb 4:12
  • we focus on what God thinks about us and who He says we are ~ 1 Jn 3:1

[/content2] [/two_column_block]

 

Becoming spiritually mature is not easy, but it is worth it if you want to live in peace and joy, fulfilling God’s purpose for your life.

I hope you take some time and notice whether you’re conforming or transforming. Use the Word of God to transform your mind and heart, instead of conforming to the patterns of this world.

 

Please share your thoughts.

 

P.S. if you are tired of circling the same mountain over and over and want a Christ-centered approach to lasting weight loss without feeling guilty, deprived, or overwhelmed, be sure to sign up for our video course program right away at cathymorenzie.com

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