WE CAN CONFORM OR TRANSFORM, BUT WE CANNOT DO BOTH

BIBLE MEDITATION:
For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver 
or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed 
down to you from your ancestors, but with the precious blood of 
Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect. 
(1 Peter 1:18-19)

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT:
When we hear the word “emancipation”, 
many of us visualize slaves being freed.
They were no longer under strict control of the slave master.
When they were slaves, they did not enjoy the freedom from bondage,
but were receiving their orders from the one who owned them.

We suffer a form of slavery in our own lives as Satan strives to “own” us.
He wants to keep us in his bondage 
and prevent us from living a life of freedom.
“Redeemed” and “emancipation” both mean “freedom”;
we have been “emancipated” by the sacrifice of Jesus Christ.

No longer do we have to live an “empty way of life”.
Jesus didn’t provide us freedom so we could continue living the same way.
His “emancipation” creates in us 
the opportunity to start living a “fulfilling way of life”.

However, it requires action and some radical decisions on our part.
We need to get serious about what is called the “Christian life”.
If we continue in our sinful ways with just a sprinkling of Christianity, 
then we can never expect to start enjoying a fulfilling life.

The scriptures give us clear advice 
on how to live as true believers and followers of Jesus Christ.
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)

The world is relentless in its efforts to press us down into its own mold, 
which is not what God desires of us; 
it wants us to “conform” not to “transform”.
God’s Word tells us that it will succeed in its efforts unless 
we “renew our mind” (transform) by making some essential decisions 
that we will reject the world’s efforts, 
and embrace what is good and pleasing to God.

The scriptures do not tell us to “conform” and “transform”.
It is either one or the other.
When we are transformed, we learn to think differently, to act differently, 
to have new attitudes, to develop a new kind of love for others, to have 
new priorities, to have new goals, 
and to exchange selfishness for selflessness.

ACTION:
It’s time for Christians to take hold of 
the exciting life God has called us to live,
and start celebrating the abundant life 
given us by the sacrifice of Jesus Christ.

Praise God that we weren’t emancipated to continue in the same rut,
but we were given freedom so we could experience the thrill 
of a new life full of joy and excitement.

If we try to blend the ways of the world with the desires of God, 
then we are compromising and preventing the “renewing of our minds”. 
How are you serving God today?  ‘Are’ you serving God today?
What spiritual gifts has He given you to be used for Him?

Every follower of Christ becomes His hands, His feet, 
and His spokesperson to a world in need of the Savior.
Ask God to begin using you today so that through faith, you can start 
experiencing the joy of living an emancipated life of fulfillment.

Pray,
“Heavenly Father, I want to live a life that is good and pleasing to You. 
Help me in my efforts to renew my mind, so that I can reject Satan’s 
efforts to keep me in bondage, and instead, start enjoying a life of 
fulfillment. Thank You now for the new life I will experience as a 
result of my sincere and determined transformation. Give me the 
strength I need to resist Satan’s efforts to compromise or justify the 
things in my life which displease You. Create a humble attitude in me.” 

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