December 27
Out of this world
And do not be conformed to this world… Romans 12:2 (NKJV)
When the Bible uses the word world, it’s usually used in one of two ways. It can be used in ageographic sense, referring to the actual planet that we live on. Or it can be used in a metaphoric sense, where world refers to everything that does not submit or yield to God’s direct authority.
That’s the way world is used in Romans 12:2, in which we’re warned against being conformed to this world. God’s Word is telling us that the world, everything that’s not of God, has a way of doing things. There’s a mindset, an agenda, a playbook that it operates from. And we, who are of God, have to guard against conforming to (or taking the shape of ) the world’s ways.
So what does that look like? Jesus presents a powerful definition of the difference between the world’s way and God’s way:
“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven…” Matthew 5:43-45 (NKJV)
The world says to hate those who hate you. God says to love those who hate you, bless those who curse you, and pray for those who abuse you. A person who lives this way doesn’t fit into the world’s mold. Jesus also tells us that when we live this way, we establish our identity as God’s children.
But the reverse is true, as well. If we live like the world, we lose our identity as God’s children. We start to blend in and become just like the environment around us. That’s why the Lord warns us against conforming to this world and calls us to live a life in Him that’s truly out of this world.
THINK ABOUT IT...
What does this passage reveal to me about God?
What does this passage reveal to me about myself?
Based on this, what changes do I need to make?
What is my prayer for today?
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