Not of This World
“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” (Romans 12:2).
The moment you become a child of God, you are no longer of this world. You just live in it. You are made new, but there’s still a transformation that takes place as you grow in Christ. This transformation is the process your heart goes through to become more like Jesus, meaning, your thoughts, your actions, your desires, and your beliefs align with those of the Father so that your mind is constantly being molded and renewed.
Our true power as sons and daughters of God is in knowing that because of Jesus, we have been called out from among the world—chosen by Him to change the world. It’s not enough to just be saved in Christ—we must do something with that new spirit in us. If we were only ever meant to be saved, then we would’ve been called up to heaven the moment we accepted Christ. But instead, we are here to live out this renewed life so that many sons and daughters will come to glory.
Refusing to conform to the world is costly, but God remembers every effort you’ve given. He never forgets when His children stand up for Him. We are not of this world, and this world whips those who dare to go against the grain, but part of the mark of the believer, which we discussed in our last devotion, is seeking the kingdom of God above all else—above acceptance, above popularity, above ideologies that don’t line up with scripture.
If you’re worried about what living for God might cost you, we’ve all felt that way. Peter denied Jesus three times because he was afraid, and yet, Peter became one of the most devout and sincere children of God because he decided that if God could save His soul and forgive His denial, then He was worth following for the rest of his life.
You don’t have to follow Christ. It’s your choice—He’s given you complete free will. You don’t follow Him just to avoid hell. You follow Him because you’ve tasted and seen that the Lord is good, and when you understand the enormity of His mercy and what it took for Him to take on your sin and die in your place, you’ve seen enough to follow Him all your life. Who would be that devoted to you but Jesus? Who could love you that much? Just as we discussed in a previous devotion—you are motivated by mercy.
It’s your choice not to conform. It’s your own call to decide that your life will no longer be determined by your own calls. When you give the Spirit permission to work in your heart and change the way it beats, your whole life gets transformed because your heart is pumping new life, new dreams, new love, and suddenly, it all becomes worth it.
The moment you become a child of God, you are no longer of this world. You just live in it. You are made new, but there’s still a transformation that takes place as you grow in Christ. This transformation is the process your heart goes through to become more like Jesus, meaning, your thoughts, your actions, your desires, and your beliefs align with those of the Father so that your mind is constantly being molded and renewed.
Our true power as sons and daughters of God is in knowing that because of Jesus, we have been called out from among the world—chosen by Him to change the world. It’s not enough to just be saved in Christ—we must do something with that new spirit in us. If we were only ever meant to be saved, then we would’ve been called up to heaven the moment we accepted Christ. But instead, we are here to live out this renewed life so that many sons and daughters will come to glory.
Refusing to conform to the world is costly, but God remembers every effort you’ve given. He never forgets when His children stand up for Him. We are not of this world, and this world whips those who dare to go against the grain, but part of the mark of the believer, which we discussed in our last devotion, is seeking the kingdom of God above all else—above acceptance, above popularity, above ideologies that don’t line up with scripture.
If you’re worried about what living for God might cost you, we’ve all felt that way. Peter denied Jesus three times because he was afraid, and yet, Peter became one of the most devout and sincere children of God because he decided that if God could save His soul and forgive His denial, then He was worth following for the rest of his life.
You don’t have to follow Christ. It’s your choice—He’s given you complete free will. You don’t follow Him just to avoid hell. You follow Him because you’ve tasted and seen that the Lord is good, and when you understand the enormity of His mercy and what it took for Him to take on your sin and die in your place, you’ve seen enough to follow Him all your life. Who would be that devoted to you but Jesus? Who could love you that much? Just as we discussed in a previous devotion—you are motivated by mercy.
It’s your choice not to conform. It’s your own call to decide that your life will no longer be determined by your own calls. When you give the Spirit permission to work in your heart and change the way it beats, your whole life gets transformed because your heart is pumping new life, new dreams, new love, and suddenly, it all becomes worth it.
Free Email Devotional - Sign Up Now
Recent
Archive
2024
January
One Step at a TimeTrusting in the UnseenThe Consequences of SinThe Path of True RepentanceWhen Are You Going to Change?Short-Term Satisfaction vs. Long-Term RewardsWhat Has God Called You to Do?The Danger of Ignoring God's CallingThe Abundance Beyond ObedienceResting in His RhythmLetting God Work While We RestFaith Under ConstructionThe Purpose in WaitingAgainst the GrainNot of This WorldGuidance in ConflictEmbracing Grace in RejectionEternal InvestmentsImpatient Choices, Lasting ConsequencesGod's Timing in RelationshipsDivine Delays in CareersIn Pursuit of God's TimingIn His ImageAnchored in God's VerdictImmersed in His LoveA Heart Full of ThanksPerspective ShiftStrength in UnityWho Needs Your Prayers?Expressing SelflessnessGoing All In on God's Calling
February
Exceedingly, Abundantly BeyondUnraveling the Strength Within WeaknessBeyond Human StrengthUnfailing FaithfulnessIgnoring The SignalsChoosing His Will with Free WillBlessings in Obedience to God's WillWhen God's Plans Are Different Than YoursTrusting the Unseen PathDivine ConnectionsPurposeful Impact in Others' LivesAnswering the Call to Show UpFinding All You Need in GodValor in the Face of FearObedience Over ComfortAnswering God's CallTrusting God One Step at a TimeTrusting the Omniscient GuideThe Path of Blessings through ObedienceThe Consequence of DisobedienceEmbracing the Hope of ChangeEmbracing the Call to SelflessnessTuning In to God's WhispersRising Above FearGod's Unshakeable Faith in YouAwakening to God's Plan for Your LifeThe Journey of FaithSurrendering Struggles
March
The Unseen GuardianBalancing CommunityStarting at HomeFrom Brokenness to MasterpieceEmbracing Your DesignDiscovering Strength in HelplessnessTransformative Power of PrayerThe Art of PrayerThe Gift of RepentanceBoundless ForgivenessA Two-Way StreetEmbracing Purpose in PainGod's Call to Impact LivesOrdinary to ExtraordinaryQualifying the CalledFinding Peace in ObedienceTrusting God's Plan Beyond Our DreamsPraising God in the PainFrom Platform to PastureEmbracing God's Training GroundFollowing the Model of JesusThe Beauty of Serving OthersFrom Knowledge to ObedienceGratitude for God's FaithfulnessRemoving the TapeGod Sees YouDisplaying Your FaithChoosing Obedience Over TemptationObedience Despite DifferencesThe Destructive Grip of LustChoosing God's Best Over Temporary PleasuresChoosing Wisely in Relationships
No Comments