Do not conform any longer 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
Until our minds are renewed, we cannot approve of God’s will. God’s boundaries will seem restrictive and confining. God’s motives will be called into question. God’s ways will seem outdated or cruel. God’s sovereignty will seem distant and remote and uncaring.
Why is this?
It is because we cannot see clearly and we cannot think straight with an unrenewed mind.
Years ago I read something that Oliver North had written. He said he was bewildered by the charges that were being made against him in the press. He said he couldn’t understand how people would make up lies about him. When he explained this to a friend, the friend told him, "They are printing this stuff because they believe it’s true."
Oliver North was dumbfounded, but the friend went on to explain. "They figure if you had access to your level of freedom and power, of course you would act corruptly because they would act corruptly."
My purpose here is not to comment on the merits of Oliver North or his critics, but rather to point out a truth about human nature. We are only able to see our world through the grid of our own deeply held beliefs.
If, in our experience, the one in authority cannot be trusted, then we will question God’s motives until God Himself visits us to give us the truth. Then we will wake up and discover the wonderful truth that God is for us and nothing can stand against us.
Be encouraged!
Dwight
Dwight Clough is the author of four Christian books and is an active member of Lake City Church in Madison. This devotional is also available via email and you may review the archives back to 2002. To contact Dwight or Kim, use their contact form. You may also support their ministry.