Do not Conform

"So do not act like the people in Egypt, where you used to live, or like the people of Canaan, where I am taking you. You must not imitate their way of life. You must obey all my regulations and be careful to obey my decrees, for I am the Lord your God. If you obey my decrees and my regulations, you will find life through them. I am the Lord." Leviticus 18:3-5 NLT

Why is it that we tend to conform to the world around us? God warned Israel against imitating the Egyptians or the Canaanites but ultimately they did not heed His call. The pull of the world is so strong but in the end it leaves us still wanting. The ways of God lead to true life and blessing. We know this in our heads but have difficulty keeping our hearts in check.

In the New Testament we find the same call: "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 12:2 NLT). Let God use His Spirit and Word to transform the way you think so the way you live will reflect His will and not the world's ways.

Father, Your will is far superior to the ways of this world and yet I too often find myself conforming to the worlds customs. Strengthen and transform me by Your Spirit and Word so that I may walk in Your will thus bringing glory to You and true pleasure to me.

I'm praying for you.
Pastor Mark