Patterns

According to the dictionary a pattern is a repetitive design, like a motif or ornament. Just like the photograph above our lives can be compartmentalized in a pattern that either conforms to this world or the ideals that others project on us.

Romans 12:2 says 2 Do not conform 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, pleasing and perfect will.

I am struck by the use of the word pattern; and why? Because it is decorative and repetitive. The pattern of this world is just that. The world decorates so many sinful ways; it decorates and makes what is wrong hip and trendy. It has patterned every area of life, the way we dress and the way we speak, and the way we relate to others. The world has patterned the way we see others, if we like them or not. The world has patterned the political climate; the movies we watch, the music we listen to, our world view. Whether we accept it or not, the world is successfully projecting its ideals or lack of on us.

But Romans 12:2 says we should not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of our minds. What does this mean? I think it speaks to us taking personal responsibility. We are not to be the herd of the world, following it where it may. And neither should we be a herd for seeming ‘Christian values’ that are seeming but never Godly. We are not to follow seeming Christian values either. It is time we work out our salvation and not rely on others to get us there. We should renew our minds with the Word of God everyday. Just don’t listen to a Christian radio station and take it as gospel. Don’t take someone’ Twitter account as gospel. Find God yourself. Know Him yourself. Develop a relationship with Him yourself, and then you would have found the truth, and this is what will set you free. Recently I was in a church where rather than have a Sunday service, they projected an interview with a pastor who I knew of, the discussion was about having revival in your finances. Yes, who does not want revival in their finances? Everyone does. But I also know this preacher, I know what he stands for, I know how he whips political rhetoric, fear-mongering and resentment. I just could not listen to this. And why? Because my mind was renewed.

Scripture says when you renew your mind, then you will be able to test and approve what is God’s will. Therefore if you don’t take time to renew your mind based on God’s word, God’ love, God’s mercy, God’s truth, you can’t know God’s will. And if you don’t know God’s will, then you allow a void in your life.

Many people have allowed a void in their lives, and the world and ‘seeming Christianity’ has been happy to fill the void. I encourage you to recognize the truth and set out today on an exercise to know God intimately by renewing your mind. No more patterns, just simply God.

I want God and nothing else. I don’t want a shade, a soundbite, a contrived Christianity, a worldly life, all I want is God in my life. Amen.

Linda Faith

Linda is a prolific writer. Her body of work includes inspiring poems, fictional books, and Christian living empowering books. You can find her work on www.amazon.com. Linda is also the pioneer of Joy Women, a platform she employs to inspire women all over the world to be all God has destined them to be.

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