First, I read the selection.
“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind” (Romans 12:2).
Second, I put on the page observations and questions.
- What does it mean to conform?
- Is conformity always…bad?
- What’s the pattern of this world?
- Here, transformation is presented as the alternative to conformity. I’d much rather be transformed than merely follow a pattern.
- What transforms me? His Word (which I take to mean Jesus).
If I have time to spare, I jot down praises and prayers.
- Thank you, God, that your Word renews and transforms me.
- Please forgive me for blending in with the world. Please renew my mind, my spirit.
Then, I tuck away my Bible and my journal and carry on with my day.
It’s nothing romantic, and certainly nothing regular as of late. But it works.
The commentary of fellow believers is helpful, yet reliance on devotional material alone eventually falls short.
At some point we must take God’s word at his word, not someone else’s. At some point we must read in context the verse posted at the beginning of the article. At some point, we must approach his Word without anyone else involved.
Just an open Bible, an open journal, and a heart open to receive the truth waiting to renew our minds and transform our lives, one experience at a time.
(Day three’s prompt for the hope*writers writing challenge: renew)
Life Out Here 