Day 320 or November the 16th. Use your own grey
matter first. Our thoughts today come from Romans
chapter 12 verse 2. 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. And now the big picture surrounding
this verse. Paul was a great thinker, and he
regularly encourages other fellow believers to
think for themselves, too. Not to exclude the
Holy Spirit, but to work with him, rather than
expect the Spirit to think for you. He focuses
in on our duties toward God and our neighbours.
And now today's action step. I remember our sons,
one in particular, who regularly made the same
plea when they were very young. Just tell me
what to do and I'll do it. It will save me thinking.
That's certainly not how Paul sees life when
we follow Christ. He says that we should not
simply do what the rest of the world is doing
without thinking, but we should renew our mind.
That is, think things through, then act accordingly.
Paul goes on to say that if we do this, we will
then be able to test and approve or figure out
what God wants us to do in our lives. God gives
each of us a brain to use, as well as the Holy
Spirit. We should not simply listen to others
and obey like robots. When people ask me what
I think on a particular subject, I am often tempted
not to tell them until they tell me what they
think. Otherwise, they can simply slip into my
belief conclusions and not think for themselves.
Don't use your study Bible notes or commentaries
as your first point of reference, but read the
Bible first to see what God writes on your mind's
blank slate, then turn to see someone else's
thoughts if you wish. It's amazing how many times
what God says to you is really for you, today.
In short, don't just follow others, but follow
Christ. And he will always guide you when you
turn to his word, the Bible, and seek his will
for your life.