Read Romans 12:1–2

Is it possible to think so much like Christ that our minds operate on a different plane than those of others around us? Not only is it possible—it’s essential!

The familiar words in Romans 12:1–2 need to be reviewed.

And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him. Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect. (Romans 12:1-2)

In his letter to the believers in Rome, Paul drops to his knees, as it were, and pleads with these believers to present themselves to God as living sacrifices. He then offers a warning: stop allowing the world to be your standard for the way you live and think!

Stop being squeezed into that mould! Quit aping the system of thought that surrounds you! Reject its line of reasoning, its method of operation, its style and techniques! How? By pursuing a radical transformation from within. By allowing the Spirit of God to transform your thought pattern. And what will happen if you do? You will demonstrate authentic godlikeness.

Living differently begins with thinking differently. A life that is characterized by serving others begins in a mind that has become convinced of the truth of God’s Word.

Do you long to live the Christian life as God intends? Start surrendering to His Word today. Believe His Word and let Christ take the lead. I dare you to do so!

Devotional content taken from Good Morning, Lord...Can We Talk? by Charles R. Swindoll. Copyright © 2018. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, a division of Tyndale House Ministries. All rights reserved.