Don't Think Like Everyone Else Does

A prayer I find myself praying often is "Transform me into a new person by changing the way I think." This is based on Romans 12:2, which says "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." Everyday I am "prone to wander" as the old hymn says. As Romans 12 warns, there are behaviors and customs in this world that entice me and too often win my affection. So, what are these behaviors and customs that the world has to offer us? "For the world offers only a craving for physical pleasure, a craving for everything we see, and pride in our achievements and possessions. These are not from the Father, but are from this world. And this world is fading away, along with everything that people crave" (1 John 2:16,17).

It is so easy to get caught up in the things of this world, and to think about things like everyone else thinks about them. The command that God gives to not copy the behavior, customs, and mentality of the world is not just a New Testament command. In Isaiah 8, the people of Judah were fearful of a potential attack from King Rezin of Aram, and King Pekah of Israel. Instead of trusting in the Lord for protection, they trusted in their alliance with Assyria (Assyria would soon turn on Judah and all but destroy them). But, God's message to Judah through the prophet Isaiah is the same message He has for us today. "The Lord has given me a strong warning not to think like everyone else does (emphasis mine). He said, 'Don't call everything a conspiracy, like they do, and don't live in dread of what frightens them. Make the Lord of Heaven's Armies holy in your life. He is the one you should fear. He is the one who should make you tremble. He will keep you safe" (Isaiah 8:11-14).

So, if you find yourself copying the behavior and customs of this world, ask God to transform you into a new person by changing the way you think (basically, repent). Do the same if you crave the physical pleasures of this world, crave things that you see and covet, or take pride in your possessions and achievements, believing you are a self-made person. And, don't think like everyone else does and live in fear and dread. Make God holy in your life. Let Him be your Hiding Place.

Finally, as I am sitting here typing this blog post, there was a commercial that came on television that promoted a show called "Long Island Medium" on TLC. It showed the "medium" in the grocery store, beauty shop, and other places telling people about their past and giving them messages from loved ones who had passed away. I think it's interesting that in the same chapter I wrote about above, Isaiah 8, it says, "Someone may say to you, 'Let's ask the mediums and those who consult the spirits of the dead. With their whisperings and mutterings, they will tell us what to do.' But shouldn't people ask God for guidance? Should the living seek guidance from dead? Look to God's instructions and teachings! People who contradict his word are completely in the dark" (Isaiah 8:19,20). I am thankful that I don't have to consult a god or person who is dead, but I have a living God who hears me when I pray. God's Word is as relevant today as it ever has been.