How Should We Avoid Being Conformed To The Pattern Of This World? (Rom. 12:

Illustration: Having consistently spent at least an hour with the Lord every morning for the past twenty-eight years, it has done more to help me abide in Christ than any other thing. I have taken the promise that Jesus gave to Mary in Luke 10:38-42, “Mary has chosen the one needful thing which shall not be taken away from her.”

3. Paul urges his readers to avoid the prevailing humanistic trends of the world by relying on God’s Spirit to direct you. Americans are proud of their ability to pull themselves up by their own bootstraps. We like being free to think and speak according to our first amendment rights.

Illustration: The secular-humanistic voice in our society says, “I can do all things through me!” There is a subtle belief in most of the media personnel that says, “Each person has the solution to their problems hidden in their inner being. If they will just reach down deep, everyone can find in themselves the answers to their deepest needs.”

Quote: James Dobson stated, “The secular humanistic system of values has now become the predominant way of thinking in most of the power centers of society.” We must guard against the subtle influences that the secular-humanistic world has upon us.

Paul advised the Christians in Rome to not be fashioned after the heathen world since they now were children of God. Obedient children tend to want to become more like their Father because they want to please Him in all respects.

What are you doing to please your heavenly Father?

4. Paul urges his readers to listen to the voice of God instead of other influences. We tend to become like those who we most associate with. We also think according to the voices that we pay the most attention to. So what can we do to make sure we are listening to the right voices? You may also be thinking

“How do we get others to listen to the right voice?” Listen to mature teachers and preachers of God’s word who focus on Christ and what He would do if He were in your situation.

Solomon wrote, “Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many godly advisers they succeed.” (Prov. 15:22)

Ask the Lord to give you wise counselors who can help you figure out the best ways to help you conform less and be transformed more effectively.

5. Paul urges his readers to be renewed by the fear of God. Paul was mindful of what Solomon wrote, “The fear of the Lord teaches a man wisdom, and humility comes before honor.” (Prov. 15:33)

The Holy Spirit renews people who live in the fear of God seeking to obey His commandments. The Spirit helps cleanse our mind, emotions and attitude with a healthy fear of God.

Ask the Lord to help you sanctify your mind, will and emotions with a great fear and respect for God. This is one reason why David wrote, “Teach me your way O Lord and I will walk in your truth. Give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name.” (Psa. 86:11)

Ask God to help you learn more about God’s will for your personal life, relationships and ministries through a growing reverence for the Lord.

When you gain a greater fear of God you will be better able to conquer your fears of people and problems. Solomon wrote, “The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life, turning a man from the snares of death.” (Prov. 14:27)