Warnings are all around us. Parents warn children about the consequences of bad behavior. Teachers warn students about a lack of study prior to a test. Newscasters warn people about impending storms. Even air-raid sirens warn people about incoming artillery. But a warning is only helpful in the event that the person warned actually takes heed.

In this section of Scripture, God is warning His people not to be conformed to the pattern of this world. The word world is used in the Bible to describe God’s creation, humanity, or the invisible evil system set up against God’s standards. Here we see the word world being used in the sense of Satan’s system where we live. This “world” is not any more visible than the Sports World, Political World, or Financial World but it is certainly a reality. Since Satan’s original rebellion against God, he has served as the prince of the power of the air and attempts to set up everything in this world against the knowledge of God.

God warns us as His children NOT to be conformed to this world and its way of thinking. We must take special attention to make sure that our attitudes, thoughts, and actions align with the truth of God’s Word, because left to ourselves, we will simply follow what everyone else is doing. Therefore, we are to be transformed by renewing our mind with God’s Word so that may know God’s will and live for Him.

How have you been following what your friend, neighbor, or family does just because that is what you have seen? Have you taken the time to write down how God desires for you to live in every area of your life? Have you considered that perhaps God has something to say to you about all that you say and do? Why not ask the Lord to search you and test your motives in all areas of your life?

PRAYER

Dear Jesus. Search me, test me, and see if there is any wicked way in me. Lead me in the way everlasting (Psalm 139:23-24). Lord, shine the penetrating light of Your Word into my life and show me where I must confess my sins so that I may remain in fellowship with You. I love You, Lord, and I want my life to be a reflection of the grace that You have shown me. Amen.