May
31
The “Unpopular” Route
Filed Under Daily Devotions
SCRIPTURE: Proverbs 16-18; Romans 12
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. ~ Romans 12:2
OBSERVATION:
Paul is instructing the Romans not to be like everyone else who belongs to the world. Their thoughts and views are different from God’s. He wants them to focus on God to see His will.
APPLICATION:
Growing up was a game of conformity. Oh how I just wanted to fit in. I wanted her to like me, I wanted him to notice me. I wanted to be one of the popular kids. College was more of the same. I was the little freshman and I wanted to fit in with my teammates and roommate’s friends. I wanted to belong. But over the years I was becoming someone I didn’t want to be. I was becoming someone God didn’t create me to be.
My last year of eligibility, I had a difficult decision to make as a captain. I was stuck between my coach and some of my teammates, who I felt I had a responsibility to both. The decision I made resulted in the ceasing of false friendships. I chose the “unpopular” route, but the the route I knew in my heart was right and I don’t regret it one bit.
This verse was my verse one semester down in Alabama with my Bible study. It has become my favorite verse and I even wrote a song based on it. But for so long I focused on the first half of this verse. When I began to look at the second half, the whole thing became so much more powerful to me. When we fight against the grain of this world and we fix our mind and our thoughts on God, we begin to change. The things that mattered, the peoples’ opinions that mattered become meaningless. When we take our focus off this world, we begin to see what God has in store ~ we begin to see the plans and purpose of God.
PRAYER:
God, help me to fight the conformity of this world and help transform myself, beginning with the thoughts in my head. Help me fight against what the world wants me to be and the stereotypes society places on me.