Romans 12:2
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.
Reflection
Today’s verse is one of the most interesting and confusing verse by Paul. What is Paul saying to us in this verse? Is he asking us to be detached to the daily life of this world and live a solitary life like that of those monks in the desert? Is this verse promoting a world negating attitude or is it setting the tone for the relationship between the church and state? This is where the confusion comes in when one reads this verse superficially. The word ‘world’ literally means this age especially this evil age. As Christians how are supposed to live in this evil age? Remember Jesus said to his disciples on his farewell discourse, “you are in this world but you are not for this world.” What a conundrum; you are in this world but you don’t belong to it, how? Key to understanding this verse is background knowledge of Jesus’ teachings when he said you are the salt and light of this world. Probably this was the saying in Paul’s mind when he wrote this statement. We cannot negate this world, we have to past in its development and care but ultimately we should season it with our life and love like salt seasoning relish. Paul is therefore saying do not let the world around you squeeze you into its own mould. Our thinking and acting should be controlled by the Holy Spirit and then we influence the world towards the direction of Christ’s love. This is a big challenge for today’s church; instead of shaping people ‘s lives and culture; the church is being shaped by the contemporary culture. Instead of seasoning the world, the world is seasoning us. Let us go out and be ambassadors of Christ. Amen.
Collect
Almighty and everlasting God, you govern all things both in heaven and on earth: Mercifully hear the supplications of your people, and in our time grant us your peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit one God now and forever. Amen.
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