Romans 12:2 ESV – “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect”
DEVOTION: Do you ever find yourself promising [yourself] to not do “it” again? Our “it” begins with a thought. We are tested daily with our thoughts. What we think affects our lives from moment to moment. From one step or task to the next step or task, there is a thought in between those steps. So, the question is, is that thought your having for you or against you, a collaborator, or an opponent? And why is this important to consider? Because God has great plans for our lives and when we are tempted to “go back” to or “stay in” negative or unhelpful ways of thinking, He offers us support in those moments. Why does He do that? Because He wants us to live life more abundantly which means it starts with the way we think. We are tempted by daily situations to either choose to do the right thing or not. In these moments we are first thinking something that causes us to feel what we do, and then a behavior or action follows. For example, there may be a co-worker or family member that continues to speak negatively about you, maybe even being untruthful about you. In this situation, there is a choice to react from how you feel versus respond in a more beneficial way that produces the true outcome you want. Thankfully, when we find ourselves in a situation or moment that tempts us towards behaviors or actions that we know we should not do or that we do not truly want to do, then we can call on the Lord, “I lift up my eyes to the mountains-where does my help come from? My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth” [Psalms 121:102 NIV]. Patterns of thinking are developed over life experiences, which means the way we think has been with us for many years and it can be hard and difficult to change. But God! Give it to God because He can break those chains that are deeply rooted in our mind which keep us from the treasures of life that He has for us.
Prayer:
Lord, I am grateful for the testing because from these moments I have an opportunity to personally grow into a person that does not react with unhelpful emotions. I am thankful that with You, the Maker of Heaven of Earth, I can get through these moments with your grace and mercy. Daily I need and want your help! In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen!
Reflection:
We are influenced by our environment. Reframe your thinking with the Word of God and connecting with others who are practicing the same. The desire to do things differently requires a different environment, which includes the people in your life.
Sister Teoletta West
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