Living Sacrifices

What shapes the way you think? Where do you find yourself conforming? What percentage of your thoughts are completely original to you? Where do you find yourself becoming what other people expect you to be?As we turn our attention to Romans 12 this week, the apostle Paul coaches us not to conform to the world’s pattern; rather, we are to be transformed. Perhaps you’ve heard it said this way: “Conforming to the world is like removing the screen door to our minds and letting all the bugs fly in.” But when we are transformed, we refuse to comply any influences that compromise our character or the witness of Christ.I’ve heard someone describe it like this: Imagine if I filled up a glass with water, but then added dust and lint from the floor, cigarette butts from an ash tray, and a dried piece of gum from under the table. What if I then asked you to drink it? My guess is that you would refuse. Why? Because you know that it isn’t good for you!But that is what happens when we pollute our minds by taking in worldly influences that muddy the waters instead of clearing them. Paul says that we need to offer our bodies as living sacrifices by no longer conforming to the pattern of this world and being transformed by the renewing of our minds. Just as we put on clean clothing after a shower, so are we to put on Christ and allow Him to dwell in us richly. May we continue to grow as we allow ourselves to be shaped by the heart and mind of Christ.Grace & Peace, Pastor Aaron