Galatians 5:17 | Gracie Creswell ~♥

And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. ~ Romans 12:2

Conform . . .

What does this mean, exactly? Well, for starters it tells us not to be “agents” of the things of this world. By relying on the world, we are allowing it to replace God in our lives. We fall back, and rest easy in our “lazy-boy chair” of habits, and on our path of the daily mundane activities we call life. We get so caught up in the day-to-day cycle of our lives that it so easily immerses us and drenches us in the things of this world.

What things?

It’s any”thing” and every”thing” that holds us back from receiving all that God has promised. It’s our running to-and-fro ~ our daily errands, taking children to their afterschool activities, walking the dog(s)–it’s whatever things we do that keep us from God’s Word. Not that life responsibilities are unimportant, but it’s how we prioritize them that matters most.

Which of these “things” rings that all too familiar bell for you?

Is it an addiction? how many of you run to the liquor store for that six-pack (12-pack or a case) to get your “self” some relief from the day’s stresses? Quite a nice escape–for the moment. Instead of your daily twelve-ounce curls, rather opt for those bicep curls in lifting your Bible that’s been gathering dust on your shelf.

Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season. ~Hebrews 11:25

Is it depression? an unhealthy dependence on relationships? working too much, and neglecting your loved ones at home, and/or home responsibilities? is it self-indulgent pleasures such as too much time spent (or wasted) on the computer or television? Are you dealing drugs or addicted to them? Are you partying it up in the bars, rubbing elbows right alongside the world, thinking there is absolutely nothing wrong with being in a bar? are you engaging in pornography, hanging out in strip clubs, or working in them for the gobs of cash? could it be that you are caught up in a cycle of illicit emotional affairs of the heart with members of the opposite sex, leaving your spouse on the back burner? or, is it simply putting your spouse and/or children before your quiet devotional time in God’s Word, before your silence in prayer time, waiting on and listening for that still small voice of God?

We should not be ignorant of satan’s devices and traps so that we are not yet again so easily entangled in bondage.

Bondage? Yes, bondage.

Bondage is any”thing” and every”thing” that we choose to allow in our lives and set up as an idol–things that keep us “tied up” and dependent upon; hence, in bondage to those things, habits, or persons. The list is endless!

This world?

This world is full of those WHO NEITHER HAVE the power–nor the form–of godliness . . . the rioters, the dissentious, the drunkards, the adulterers, the fornicators, the blasphemous, the idolators, the lascivious, those with reprobate minds, etc.

Transformed?

The Greek word “metamorphoo” is defined as transformed or transfigured by a supernatural change. We see it in the metamorphosis of the caterpillar as it transforms into a pupa and from a pupa into a beautiful butterfly. A complete change and abundant growth! It’s a new life! And so it is with us–SO SHED YOUR COCOON! ~ and be transformed into that beautiful man or woman in the image of Christ. ~ For He calls us to be holy, even as He is holy.

How do we do this?

By the renewing of our minds!

~ with the washing of the water by His Word! ~

His Word?

Yes!

His Word!

~ ♥ ~

For the Word of God is QUICK, and POWERFUL, and SHARPER than any twoedged sword, piercing even into the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. ~ Hebrews 4:12

This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh! ~ Galatians 5:16

For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit; and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would. ~ Galatians 5:17

As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance. ~ 1 Peter 1:14

Let us therefore come BOLDLY unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. ~ Hebrews 4:16

But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. ~ 2 Peter 3:18

Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage. ~ Galatians 5:1

~ ♥ ~

~God’s Gracie Girl~ ✿

♥ •.¸.•´♥ ¯`♥(❀◠‿◠)♥.¸¸.•´¯`•.♥