The First Time
“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
Do you remember the first time you rode a bike? Did you pick it up right away? What about the first time you learned to swim, or walk, or talk? Was it perfect the first time you did it? We live in an “instant” world that gives us a false sense of how improvement works.
Businesses have mastered the art of giving you what you want when you want it. They sure know how to market this to you. And while in many aspects of life, it makes things really convenient, it also gives a false sense of how the improvement process works.
Because despite the fact that you can order food and have it instantly, getting better and improving at something is not as instant. Yesterday, we talked about learning to know what is good in the eyes of God.
If we want to be obedient to Him, we have to learn to chase after things that He desires for us. Romans 12:2 puts it this way, “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.”
Many people know this verse. They talk about not being conformed to the ways of this world but being transformed by the renewal of your mind. They know the end of the verse, “so that you can discern the will of God and know what is good and perfect.”
But they forget the middle, “that by TESTING…” Testing means, “the action or process of checking someone or something, revealing a person’s capabilities by putting them under strain; challenging.”
This does not mean you will be perfect right away. You will not know the will of God immediately. You must test and find out! As humans, NONE OF US are perfect. And we will not get it right, right away. But that does not mean we give up! Keep testing! Keep learning the will of God so you can know what His good and perfect will for your life is!
Do you remember the first time you rode a bike? Did you pick it up right away? What about the first time you learned to swim, or walk, or talk? Was it perfect the first time you did it? We live in an “instant” world that gives us a false sense of how improvement works.
Businesses have mastered the art of giving you what you want when you want it. They sure know how to market this to you. And while in many aspects of life, it makes things really convenient, it also gives a false sense of how the improvement process works.
Because despite the fact that you can order food and have it instantly, getting better and improving at something is not as instant. Yesterday, we talked about learning to know what is good in the eyes of God.
If we want to be obedient to Him, we have to learn to chase after things that He desires for us. Romans 12:2 puts it this way, “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.”
Many people know this verse. They talk about not being conformed to the ways of this world but being transformed by the renewal of your mind. They know the end of the verse, “so that you can discern the will of God and know what is good and perfect.”
But they forget the middle, “that by TESTING…” Testing means, “the action or process of checking someone or something, revealing a person’s capabilities by putting them under strain; challenging.”
This does not mean you will be perfect right away. You will not know the will of God immediately. You must test and find out! As humans, NONE OF US are perfect. And we will not get it right, right away. But that does not mean we give up! Keep testing! Keep learning the will of God so you can know what His good and perfect will for your life is!
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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
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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
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