Transformed and renewed
by Neil Bergmann
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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).
Read Romans 12:1–8
Romans 12:2 is one of my best-loved Bible texts. It asks us to examine what our society values and to question whether this is actually what God wants for his people.
What Paul calls ‘the pattern of this world’ is actually difficult to define, and there isn’t really a single pattern. Instead, there are competing patterns based on myriad different social, political, historical, national and international factors. However, here are two patterns that I think are pretty widespread:
- Wealth and material prosperity are drivers of happiness, and they should be eagerly sought – the best house in the best neighbourhood, the best car, the best appliances and the best holidays.
- Our social responsibility is first to ourselves and our family, then to our local friends and community (including our church), then to our nation, and then, if there is anything left, to the world’s disadvantaged.
Jesus had a lot to say about both of these patterns of this world. He taught that worldly riches are often an obstacle to Christian discipleship, and they certainly don’t bring happiness. He also taught that we are first called to care for the poor and disadvantaged since God’s love extends equally to all people, and so should ours.
In the latter part of today’s reading, Paul offers some ideas about how to live counter-culturally. He calls us to think humbly, so that we don’t judge ourselves as more important than we are. Paul also asks us to consider our gifts and how we can best use them to serve others.
Often these different gifts (for example, prophesying, teaching, giving) are discussed in terms of how we can use them to serve our local church community; however, I think this is too narrow a focus. We need to look beyond our congregations to consider how each of us can utilise our gifts to serve those most in need, wherever they are.
Father, forgive us when we think too highly of ourselves and when we judge our success by the patterns of this world. Give us the humility to abandon our own self-centred plans for happiness and instead renew our minds to follow your will. Amen.
Neil Bergmann worships at Our Saviour Lutheran Church in Rochedale, Queensland. He enjoys cooking, reading and doing cryptic crosswords.
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