“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind." ~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.” ~Romans 12:2

It’s so so easy to get sucked into the “pattern of the world”. Social media can really get you - people complain about the algorithms but sometimes I’m thankful for them - that way I get posts about the Bible, creation, Jesus, healthy recipes and elephants.

Maybe it is a temperature check on what you value; I once heard a sermon that encouraged you to look at your checkbook - where do you spend your money?

I’ve mentioned this before, but I love the sentence structure of this verse - it is God who does the transforming! We can read all the motivational books, listen to all the podcasts, go to all the Bible studies and services, but they are drivel if God isn’t in the mix. He IS the mix. Without Him, we are nothing.

“If the LORD does not build the house, the work of the builders is useless” ~Psalm 127:1a

"I am the vine, and you are the branches. If you stay joined to Me, and I to you, you will produce plenty of fruit. But separated from Me you won't be able to do anything.” ~John 15:5

Written by: Bonnie Chovanec, 2026