“And do not be conformed to this world [any longer with its superficial values and customs], but be transformed and progressively changed [as you mature spiritually] by the renewing of your mind [focusing on godly values and ethical attitudes], so that you may prove [for yourselves] what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect [in His plan and purpose for you]” Romans 12:2 AMP

One of the battles we face as a follower of Christ is bring conformed to this world system. Every day we are being assaulted with the reality of the work of Satan to deceive the masses into following his ways! The goal of our enemy is to get us to accept the ways and behaviors of this world. The Greek word for conformed is a compound word from the root word meaning to “join in a sedition with; to be an accomplice in sedition or insurrection” and the word meaning to “draw away.”  Satan’s goal is to draw us away from the truth and reality of this present age! The opening of this verse gives us the secret to success.

“Therefore I urge you, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies [dedicating all of yourselves, set apart] as a living sacrifice, holy and well-pleasing to God, which is your rational (logical, intelligent) act of worship.” Romans 12:1 AMP

Every struggle we have can be traced back to one source…our flesh! In response to the finished work of Christ in our lives, we should be willing to “dedicate all of ourselves” to the work of redemption. Our verse today tells us that the worldly system is superficial, and we should not be deceived by its lure. That requires a transformation and a progressive growth to maturity in Christ. The words of our Savior echo this clear and direct.

“Then Jesus said to His disciples, “If anyone wishes to follow Me [as My disciple], he must deny himself [set aside selfish interests], and take up his cross [expressing a willingness to endure whatever may come] and follow Me [believing in Me, conforming to My example in living and, if need be, suffering or perhaps dying because of faith in Me]. 25For whoever wishes to save his life [in this world] will [eventually] lose it [through death], but whoever loses his life [in this world] for My sake will find it [that is, life with Me for all eternity].” Matthew 16:24-25 AMP

Not exactly the ways of this age! I love the Amplified translation and the straight-forward reality of commitment to Christ “follow Me [believing in Me, conforming to My example in living and, if need be, suffering or perhaps dying because of faith in Me.” I have known those who have been imprisoned and faced that decision. It is easy to say “I am willing to die for You” but the reality is that when they knock on your door what will you say? I remember when several of the men I was working with in the Middle East were arrested. Twelve of the fourteen of us were arrested and in jail when I began to wonder when they were coming for me. In my journal that night I wrote the following. “Lord, I thought I was ready. I knew the reality of coming to this place to proclaim Your love might mean prison or death. God, I’m scared! Please give me the strength of those who have gone before me that I might not defame their name! The moment never came that the authorities would come for me. His grace was sufficient, but I learned something that night, the battle is real! To be a living sacrifice means that we are willing to do and go anywhere at any time. It means that we do not seek to please our flesh but the One who gave His flesh for us! Thake time to day to renew your mind in the Word of for that is only place that you will truth and grace to make it in these days! Have a blessed day, Pastor Ken