And do not be conformed to this world [any longer with its superficial values and customs], but be transformed and progressively changed [as you mature spiritually] by the renewing of your mind [focusing on godly values and ethical attitudes], so that you may prove [for yourselves] what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect [in His plan and purpose for you]. (Romans 12:2)
As I observe the ongoing chaos and shaking, I sense that it’s imperative for the Church/people of God to align themselves with God’s heart.
This means transforming the way you think. Pride cannot be a factor in how we view ourselves nor others. Albeit we are instructed in Romans 12 not to be conformed to the world’s standards, we are called to love with a godly love towards others.
Christ loves us enough to expose our flaws to His light so that we can address them.
Jesus’ words to the early Church should command our attention today. Christ warned us beforehand that the love of many would grow cold because of sin, lawlessness and disobedience (Matt. 24:12).
Satan is the deceiver of the whole world (Revelation 12:9). He deceives the church into thinking that we are making an impact when we are not. Instead of being salt and light to our communities, churches often end up promoting names and events (John 12:32). God’s purpose is to draw people to Himself, not to personalities and experiences.
In the current culture, the truth has become unwelcomed. Yet the truth must continue to be our standard. Just as the Father, who loves the Son and the world, seeks to bring many sons to glory (see Heb. 2:10), the Church must embrace the same purpose.
When we lay down our interests, we can truly live for Him. We become free to serve others with the pure love that Jesus demonstrated while here on earth!
Discipleship costs you something, but it yields a great reward!
It is my hope in these discipleship shorts to express the heart of God for the Church in these last days. And to encourage every Believer to be renewed and transformed in their understanding of God’s desire for His Church to fulfill the… and see a practical manifestation of the Kingdom on earth. When we discover Gods heart it transforms and shapes our attitude, focus and priorities more than any other.
“ So here’s what I want you to do, God helping you: Take your everyday, ordinary life—your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life—and place it before God as an offering. Embracing what God does for you is the best thing you can do for him. Don’t become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God. You’ll be changed from the inside out. Readily recognize what he wants from you, and quickly respond to it. Unlike the culture around you, always dragging you down to its level of immaturity, God brings the best out of you, develops well-formed maturity in you” (Romans 12:2 MSG)
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Blessings,
Minister A. Francine Green
afrancinegreen.com 