In our fast-paced, media-saturated world, we’re constantly pulled in different directions. The world has its patterns—patterns that often push us toward self-centeredness, anxiousness, and even anger. But as followers of Jesus, we’re called to a different path, one of transformation rather than conformity.
The Apostle Paul reminds us, “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind” (Romans 12:2). This isn’t just a suggestion; it’s a call to action. Every day, we’re faced with a choice: Will we allow our minds to be renewed by the Spirit, or will we fall in line with the world’s way of thinking?
But how do we know if we’re on the right path? It’s easy to get caught up in the external markers of spiritual growth—things like biblical knowledge, church involvement, or the practice of spiritual disciplines. Don’t get me wrong, these are very valuable things, but they’re not the ultimate measure of transformation. The real question is: Are we becoming more loving?
Jesus made it clear that the greatest commandment is to love—first, to love God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength, and second, to love our neighbor as ourselves (Mark 12:30-31). Love is the true evidence of a transformed life. So, rather than asking if we’re more biblically educated or more involved in church, we should be asking ourselves: Are we becoming more loving, more joyful, more at peace?
It’s a question that cuts to the core of who we are. Would the people who know you best say that you’re becoming more patient and less easily frustrated? Are you growing in kindness, gentleness, and goodness? Are you faithful, even when times are tough? Do you exhibit self- control, especially in the face of temptation or frustration? It takes some courage, but would you be willing to ask those that know you best if you are growing in love?
These are the fruits of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23), the evidence that we’re being transformed from the inside out. And these qualities stand in stark contrast to the values promoted by the world around us. The most powerful companies in history are working tirelessly, using the most sophisticated algorithms ever devised, to stoke your fear and feed your anger. They thrive on keeping us anxious, divided, and distracted.
But Jesus calls us to something different. His way leads us away from fear and toward love. It’s a counter-cultural action, a deliberate choice to swim against the current of our culture. The world’s way leads to self-centeredness, isolation, and frustration. The way of Jesus leads to love, joy, peace, and all the other fruits of the Spirit.
So, are you becoming more loving? This is the question we must continually ask ourselves. It’s not about how much we know or how busy we are with church activities. It’s about the kind of person we’re becoming.
Transformation is a lifelong journey, but it’s a journey worth taking. As we allow the Spirit to renew our minds and shape our hearts, we will become more like Jesus—loving, joyful, and at peace, even in a world that seems to be moving in the opposite direction.
Peace,
Nick
The Apostle Paul reminds us, “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind” (Romans 12:2). This isn’t just a suggestion; it’s a call to action. Every day, we’re faced with a choice: Will we allow our minds to be renewed by the Spirit, or will we fall in line with the world’s way of thinking?
But how do we know if we’re on the right path? It’s easy to get caught up in the external markers of spiritual growth—things like biblical knowledge, church involvement, or the practice of spiritual disciplines. Don’t get me wrong, these are very valuable things, but they’re not the ultimate measure of transformation. The real question is: Are we becoming more loving?
Jesus made it clear that the greatest commandment is to love—first, to love God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength, and second, to love our neighbor as ourselves (Mark 12:30-31). Love is the true evidence of a transformed life. So, rather than asking if we’re more biblically educated or more involved in church, we should be asking ourselves: Are we becoming more loving, more joyful, more at peace?
It’s a question that cuts to the core of who we are. Would the people who know you best say that you’re becoming more patient and less easily frustrated? Are you growing in kindness, gentleness, and goodness? Are you faithful, even when times are tough? Do you exhibit self- control, especially in the face of temptation or frustration? It takes some courage, but would you be willing to ask those that know you best if you are growing in love?
These are the fruits of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23), the evidence that we’re being transformed from the inside out. And these qualities stand in stark contrast to the values promoted by the world around us. The most powerful companies in history are working tirelessly, using the most sophisticated algorithms ever devised, to stoke your fear and feed your anger. They thrive on keeping us anxious, divided, and distracted.
But Jesus calls us to something different. His way leads us away from fear and toward love. It’s a counter-cultural action, a deliberate choice to swim against the current of our culture. The world’s way leads to self-centeredness, isolation, and frustration. The way of Jesus leads to love, joy, peace, and all the other fruits of the Spirit.
So, are you becoming more loving? This is the question we must continually ask ourselves. It’s not about how much we know or how busy we are with church activities. It’s about the kind of person we’re becoming.
Transformation is a lifelong journey, but it’s a journey worth taking. As we allow the Spirit to renew our minds and shape our hearts, we will become more like Jesus—loving, joyful, and at peace, even in a world that seems to be moving in the opposite direction.
Peace,
Nick