April 15th

Rethinking Rebellion

I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. Romans 12:1-2

There is a rebellion that is good. It is a rebellion against the culture around us that wants to sweep us up and carry us away from Christ Jesus.

Many people in our culture want to believe that they live for themselves, worshiping nothing and serving no one. Others deceive themselves into thinking that they have found their own way to Enlightenment.

The truth is that all people have sold themselves to one cause or another. Countless businesspeople serve money and the bottom line. Environmentalists sacrifice themselves for the sake of nature. Many politicians surrender ethics to gain money and power.

Our call is to not be conformed to this image that we see all around us. We belong to God, and our duty is to present ourselves to Him as a whole and living sacrifice. Becoming a sacrifice means that there is nothing that we get to keep for ourselves. Our lives belong to God for Him to use as He sees fit.

We do not think like the world anymore. Instead, we renew our minds to think about the will of God. The word re-new means to make it new again and again as often as needed. Whenever we find ourselves thinking in a way that does not line up with God's will, we need to re-new our minds.

Then we will no longer be conformed to the culture around us, rather we will be transforming the culture around us.

Prayer Lord Jesus,

Thank You that You have a good, acceptable, and perfect will for me! Teach me to renew my mind so that I can follow Your will in everything I do.

Amen