In Chapter 12 Paul starts out by exhorting the people through God’s mercy, that they become acceptable to God. He states that through God’s mercy, the brethren should become more holy and a living sacrifice to God. Paul is driving the point that the only way to develop a closer relationship to God is through Jesus Christ and by telling people that we should not be conformed to the world but to be transformed by the renewing of our mind.

It is very difficult to separate your mind from the world because we live in the world constantly surrounded by worldly ideas and behaviors. The constant barrage of what the world deems important comes at us at lightning speed with no sign of slowing down. Just as in the first century we are faced with the same problems only the information delivery systems used today are on steroids comparatively.

Paul instructs us that as you grow closer to God the transformation and renewing of your mind is more prevalent and observable in your everyday living. The things we used to like are no longer as enticing or attractive. And without argument become more uncomfortable when participating in them. I remember the time when I really made the commitment to God to live the life He had for me. When that time came I became less interested in celebrating what the world was celebrating. The things I used to do are no longer the things I enjoyed doing. This is when I realized that God was transforming me and renewing my mind to think and see the world through the lens of Jesus Christ.

Paul’s message resonates as soundly in the first century as it does today. If we are to live for Christ there are going to be sacrifices we will have to make. We have to give up some of the things that we perceive are very important to us from the world’s standards but have no value in the kingdom of heaven. For example there are many things that seem harmless to most people like some of the things that are celebrated (e.g. Halloween, St. Patrick's Day, Spring break, etc.). These are all things that on the surface are mundane and considered “fun” things to do. But if you dig deeper these events all surround themselves with behaviors that are against biblical principles. These events are ways to hinder and in some case completely destroy your relationship with God. The question becomes are you really renewing your mind and trying to focus on God to live a better life for Him? Or do you think this is all innocent fun and it has no negative impacts on your relationship with God?

It is not easy to separate from the world but when you do, your heart changes, your mind and your thought process changes, and the things you deemed were critically important to you that you thought you could never live without changes. Your goals and your outlook in life become clearer more focused on God and the life that God has for you. In the nutshell your priorities in life change significantly. John the Baptist understood that change was coming (John 3:30). This applies to all who receive Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.

When we are living in the will of God, our blessings will never cease. God will continue to bless us as we continue to serve Him more and serve the world less. As we follow Christ and live for Him, we are often reminded that we are crucified with Him, we no longer live the worldly life we are so accustomed to living (Galatians 2:20).

My prayer is that we would all see the distinction between the life in and of the world and life in and for Christ. I pray that the Lord speak into each one of us, showing us the significant differences between a Godly life and a worldly life. I pray that our eyes are open to see, our ears are clear to hear and our hearts are soften to receive the gospel of Jesus Christ and turn from our worldly ways so we may live in the kingdom of heaven with Jesus for the rest of our days. In the Mighty Name of Jesus I pray Amen! Amen!