Romans 12:2

"Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, 

but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. 

Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is -- 

His good, perfect and pleasing will."  Romans 12:2 NIV84

NIV84: Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world

ESV Do not be conformed to this world

NLT Do not copy the behavior and customs of this world

MSG Don't become so well adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking

PH  Don't let the world around you squeeze you into its own mould

HCSB Do not be conformed to this age

NASB And do not be conformed to this world

AMP Do not be conformed to this world (this age), fashioned after and adapted to its external, superficial customs

conform = conform to, fashion self according to

No matter what translation I choose, the bottom line is I am not to be like the World and it is MY choice to do so or not.  I fashion myself.. I choose the pattern I will follow.. the pattern I will copy.  Will it be the world's pattern or God's? God's = Jesus

I need only live to conform to the world.. it gladly displays its pattern in brilliant color full screen 24 /7 in your face. It is the easy way. It really requires nothing of me.  I will fit right in.. blend.

BUT God's pattern is a bit different. I have to put forth some effort.  I have to surrender me to Him.. be in the Word to see the pattern and then walk it out in this foreign place where I won't blend in but instead will stick out. It won't be comfortable but it will be beneficial to me and those who see me.  And this pattern, unlike the pattern of the World, is eternal!

Choosing Peace...

I had the privilege of hearing Kay Arthur speak a year or so ago.  Her focus was on John 14. Her first bit of teaching stopped me in my tracks and has stayed with me ever since.  John 14:1 says "Let not your heart be troubled. Trust in God, trust also in Me."  


I have heard that verse many times... it is used often in conjunction with a death.  And the message is usually that when our hearts are troubled, we can / should trust in God.  That is true... not a bad message or a wrong one. But what Kay pointed out was the wording... LET NOT... Don't Let your heart be troubled.. That puts it all on me. It is a choice... I choose to have a troubled heart or one at peace because I trust in Him. 


So no matter what life sends my way, I have a choice as to how I will let it effect me. 


I was reminded of that choice again today as I read John 16:33  “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”


Again, another verse I am very familiar with.. but today God showed me the choice in it. Jesus tells us that we WILL have trouble in the world. No choice there. It is going to happen. But before that He says He has told us things (His precious promises) so that we MAY have peace.. MAY.. might.. not will. Peace is not an automatic guarantee.  Again, it is a choice we make.  


So today...no matter what my emotions and circumstances tell me, I am choosing to "let the peace of Christ rule my heart" (Col. 3:15) instead of letting my heart be troubled and full of unrest.


How about you? What are you choosing today?