September 18, 2023
Melissa Valerio
I read an article recently that really made me sad. It was about a teenager from Massachusetts that died after eating a spicy chip in a “spicy chip” social media challenge. These are the challenges my boys love to watch, so naturally it scares me as I’m sure it does a number of parents. This poor kid did what most kids his age do, conform to the masses to gain approval. Only this time, it cost him his life.
This story reminds me how easy it is to get sucked into the ways of the world. But God proposes something different. He says, “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.” (Romans 12:2 NASB) Conformation and transformation are two different things. Conformation fits into the mold of the world; it’s an outward change, like putting batter into a mold to create a certain shape. But transformation is an inward change, starting in the mind and heart, then moving outward into our words and actions. It’s only by the Holy Spirit that we are able to be transformed, making evident His fruit in the work of a person (fruit of the Spirit displayed).
Everything we need for life and godliness comes from God. 2 Peter 1:3-4 tells us “for His divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness, through the true knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence. Through these He has granted to us His precious and magnificent promises, so that by them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world on account of lust.” Knowing AND applying scripture is what renews our minds and affects our lives. We cannot be transformed without the word of God continually in our minds and hearts. This is essential in the sanctification process. The eye is the lamp of the body (Matthew 6:22), if we continue living through the lens of the world, we see things “worldly” and make “worldly” decisions. But if we live through the lens of Heaven, God gives us His perspective to make holy decisions that honor Him and keep us safe.
Prayer: King Jesus, You said that if anyone is in You, they are a new creation. The old passes away and the new has come (2 Corin 5:17). Please continue to grow Your Spirit in us so that every day, we become less and You become more. We want Your mind to make the right decisions in life. Thank You for saving us. In Your precious name, Amen.
Action: Read and memorize Proverbs 13:20 “One who walks with wise people will be wise, but a companion of fools will suffer harm.” The company we keep has a lot to do with the way we live and oftentimes, the decisions we make. Think of the people you associate with. Is there anyone that you may need to distance yourself from that could lead you off track? Pray for God’s direction in this area.