Tags
1 Peter 1:13-19, A Living Sacrifice, Be ye holy as HE is holy, Conforming or Being Transformed?, His life or mine., Holy living in all things, Living For Jesus, Psalm 139:23-24, Psalm 19:12-14, Redeemed by Jesus' Blood!, Romans 12:1-3
Conforming or Being Transformed? A Word from THE WORD!!! #49
A simple but profound question for each of us on this day after ‘Thanks-giving’–‘Black Friday’ to many shoppers–decorating day for some, yet perhaps we ought to make it a day for some soul-searching. Have we allowed so much of the world into our hearts, that we have forgotten the admonitions of scripture to be not only “holy” before God and man, but “wholly” devoted to The One who saves, redeems, and transforms us day by day (when we will cooperate) into the image of Jesus (See Romans 8:28-29). I think Paul says it best.
“I beseech you therefore, brethren,
by the mercies of God,
that ye present your bodies
a living sacrifice,
holy,
acceptable unto God,
which is your reasonable service.
2 And be not conformed
to this world:
but be ye transformed
by the renewing of your mind,
that ye may prove
what is that good,
and acceptable,
and perfect,
will of God.
3 For I say,
through the grace given unto me,
to every man that is among you,
not to think of himself more highly
than he ought to think;
but to think soberly,
according as God hath dealt
to every man
the measure of faith.” Romans 12:1-3
It saddens my heart that so many around us, many who claim the name of Jesus, are so calloused to the corruption of the world. We no longer seem to take any regard to the words we use–no matter how crass, vulgar, or hurtful to others they may be; and the word “prove” simply means to display before the world a transformed life–reflecting the grace, glory, and power of our LORD! Just because a word or phrase is popular, doesn’t mean that it should come out of “my” mouth–the Psalmist says it pretty concisely;
“Who can understand his errors?
cleanse thou me from secret faults.
13 Keep back thy servant also
from presumptuous sins;
let them not have dominion
over me:
then shall I be upright,
and I shall be innocent
from the great transgression.
14 Let the words of my mouth,
and the meditation of my heart,
be acceptable in thy sight,
O LORD,
my strength,
and my redeemer.” Psalm 19:12-14
Even as Paul stated so clearly in Romans 12, we are to be “a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service”! The call for holiness in the lives of God’s own, is replete throughout scripture, yet we seem to have relegated it to an “optional” selection for living a Christian life. I don’t think that God sees it that way. He loves us, calls us, saves us, by faith through grace, and equips us for HIS service, yet we seem to have forgotten what “service to The King” ought to look like. Peter calls us to remember the cost of our redemption–Jesus’ own blood–how long will we disregard the price paid for our salvation?
“Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind,
be sober,
and hope to the end
for the grace that is to be brought unto you
at the revelation of Jesus Christ;
14 As obedient children,
not fashioning yourselves
according to the former lusts
in your ignorance:
15 But as he which hath called you is holy,
so be ye holy
in all manner of conversation;
16 Because it is written,
Be ye holy;
for I am holy.
17 And if ye call on the Father,
who without respect of persons
judgeth according to every man’s work,
pass the time of your sojourning here
in fear:
18 Forasmuch as ye know
that ye were not redeemed
with corruptible things,
as silver and gold,
from your vain conversation
received by tradition from your fathers;
19 But with the precious blood of Christ,
as of a lamb
without blemish
and without spot:” 1 Peter 1:13-19
We are “redeemed…with the precious blood of Christ…”! So, my challenge to each of us is to spend some time today examining our own heart and asking God to reveal to us what HE sees. Not measuring with the world’s yardstick but with God’s Word–both the written Word-the Bible–as well as The Living Word, JESUS, who has given us HIS precious Holy Spirit, to guide us “into all truth”! Will you join me today in the pursuit of holiness?
“Search me,
O God,
and know
my heart:
try me,
and know my thoughts:
24 And see
if there be any wicked way in me,
and lead me
in the way everlasting.” Psalm 139:23-24
May Jesus Christ be praised through us as we:
“Let the words of my mouth,
and the meditation of my heart,
be acceptable in thy sight,
O LORD,
my strength,
and my redeemer”!
And remember there are little eyes and ears watching and listening to what we do, way more than just what we “say do or don’t do”!
Amen and Amen!!!