Patterns

You get what you pay for.
If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
Nothing in life is free.
There are only two things certain in this life, death and taxes.
Anything that can go wrong, will go wrong.
Can't complain. No one would listen anyway.

How many of these memorable quotes have you heard? How many have come out of your mouth? How many have you actually believed?

Paul, an apostle of the Christian faith wrote these words of caution in a letter to the church that existed in first century Rome, "Do not be conformed to the pattern of this world ..." He was speaking to a world view, a way of thinking; an adopted outlook on life.

The quotes above make sense; they seem to have some truth to them, an element of sensibility. And they may carry some truth, but they certainly carry much more. Hidden behind their surface meaning exists a philosophy, an attitude, a pattern of thought. Under the covers you'll find words that, in contrast to providing true wisdom or life direction, drain hope like a cracked pot. Along with the advice found in these quotes comes an attitude of defeat and finality. 

Now, before you start thinking that I'm hating on these sayings, or have a vendetta for these particular well-known quotes, allow me to clarify my critique. I'm not out to tear down or destroy these familiar sayings. But what I am saying is that words ingrained and familiar do not carry truth simply because they've been ingrained into our society and are comfortably familiar to our ears. While these quoted words may try to act as guides or mini oracles to our lives, they will never transform our lives.

And our lives need transformation.

The same Paul who wrote the words of caution to the church in Rome continued his thoughts to that church in the following words, "... but be transformed by the renewing of your mind." Our lives need transformation and our minds need renewing.

But renewing from what? Renewing from the thought patterns of this world; the repetitions that are expected to be taken for granted. Never questioning, never challenging, simply accepting. It's like a scene out of a George Orwell science fiction work. In the midst of this, the main character, the hero of the story, takes a stand and says, "Wait! I've had a different thought, and it doesn't agree with what I've been told all of my life." Brave is the man who stands up to what he knows when the light of truth floods his soul.

Your word is truth. Jesus said those words. He was speaking to His Father, God.

God's words are true and they are contained in scripture. The next time you crack open a bible (whether your first time or the ten thousandth time), whisper these simple words, "Holy Spirit, transform my mind with Your words." And watch, with eyes wide open, as you see a different pattern unfold before your eyes; a pattern that may be unfamiliar to you, a pattern that will transform you.