Life Transformation

In Romans 12:2 Paul wrote, "...do not be conformed any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind..." Because of this Christians have understood that part of following Jesus means letting go of the world's ways, and submitting to the transforming power of the Holy Spirit.

But the world doesn't go along with this. Jesus, in describing the Holy Spirit, said the following: "...the world cannot receive [Him], because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for he dwells with you and will be in you" (John 14:17). The Spirit's leadings are quite a bit different from the world's patterns.

Here's a good example: Paul wrote, "Love does not delight in evil, but rejoices with the truth" (I Corinthians 13:6). The love God is calling us to doesn't "get off" on evil things. Think about how different the world is:

Our President's recent sex scandal has gathered lots of public attention, both in the U.S. and around the world.
Television talk shows that exploit sexual promiscuity, violent crimes, and other garbage usually get high ratings, and have become quite prominent.
In groups of people often the hottest items for talk are the troubles and scandals of friends and/or celebrities.

Jesus told His followers to remove the parts of their lives that lead to sin (Matthew 5:29-30). Delighting in evil, as the world does, is one area where we're called to be non-conforming, but to live in a transformed way.

God Bless you.

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