Breaking the Mold as Christians (Romans & 1 Peter)

[AlexB23]

Hello folks. Today's devotional covers how Christians must be different from the world.

Date​	June 24, 2024 | Breaking the Mold​
Verse​	Romans 12:2 (NIV): "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." 1 Peter 2:9 (NIV): "Jesus answered, ‘But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.’"​
Explanation​	Romans 12:2 and 1 Peter 2:9 are two related but distinct passages that speak to the idea of Christians being different from the world. In Romans 12:2, Paul is encouraging the Roman believers not to conform to the patterns or ways of the world around them. Instead, he urges them to be transformed by the renewing of their minds. This transformation comes through a deepening relationship with God and a commitment to live according to His will. By being transformed, Christians will be able to discern and approve of God's good, pleasing, and perfect will in their lives. The first Peter 2:9 passage emphasizes that as Christians, we are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, and God's special possession. This means that we do not belong to the world but are called out of it to declare the praises of God. We are set apart for God and are to live in a way that reflects His character and values.​
Societal Relevance​	These two passages above emphasize the importance of not conforming to the world and instead living in a way that is pleasing to God. As Christians in modern society, there are several worldly practices that we should ideally avoid: Immorality and sexual sin: This includes premarital sex, extramarital affairs, and pornography. Greed and materialism: Christians should avoid being obsessed with wealth, possessions, and status. Lying and deceit: Honesty and integrity should be the guiding principles of our words and actions. Violence and hatred: Christians should avoid retaliation and instead seek to forgive and love their enemies. Drunkenness and substance abuse: Christians should avoid using drugs or alcohol to the point of intoxication. Gossip and slander: Christians should avoid speaking negatively about others and instead speak kindly and encouragingly. Pride and self-centeredness: Christians should avoid being proud and instead serve others and put their needs before their own. Idolatry and materialism: Christians should avoid placing anything before God, whether it be a hobby, career, or relationship. By avoiding these practices, we can live lives that are pleasing to God and reflect His character in a world that often values the opposite. We are called to be a light in the darkness and to make a difference in the world around us by living out our faith in practical ways. We all struggle with sin, myself especially. While I do not struggle with inappropriate content, lust can be a struggle (first item on the list), along with slander (6th item). For myself, being quick to judge is one of my, if not my greatest weakness. Sometimes I like bending the rules (3rd item), and going my own way. However, the Bible speaks about following instructions and being honest, so this is something to work on as well. Now, Jesus can forgive us of our sins, but we must try our best to avoid making mistakes or sinning in the first place as Christians are called to live a holy life. In summary, these worldly practices we must all avoid, along with other sins that are not listed above, but God understands that we are not perfect, so we must confess our sins to Jesus in prayer, and to our neighbors, if we have sinned against our neighbors.