BIBLE LESSON

“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.” — Romans 12:2

“The pattern of this world” means behavior that contradicts what the Bible teaches about loving God and others; practices that disrespect God and God’s laws. Those of this world want everyone to live according to their patterns instead of God’s pattern as revealed by Jesus Christ. They often try to force their patterns on others by denying tenure to a professor, denying a passing grade to a student, firing an employee, denying free assembly and free speech, using unjust laws to persecute those who obey God’s laws, bringing lawsuits against those who will not approve of, aid or support their ungodly patterns. In some countries, they imprison, torture and behead those who disagree with them.

Facing increasing patterns of persecution, people can learn the laws of logic and recognize logical fallacies; they can study the Bible, pray for the Holy Spirit to help them understand the Bible, and immediately practice with the help of God the truths they learn from the Bible. When challenged to adopt the pattern of this world, people need to remember that whatever God does and wills is good; what God wills for people to do is always good. Doing God’s will and obeying God’s laws will always please God, bringing the follower of Christ the peace that will ultimately please God and them forever. God’s law to love God and others expresses God’s perfect will for everyone, and the Bible reveals the perfect pattern for living according to the way God designed us to live.

— L.G. Parkhurst Jr., for The Oklahoman SEND EMAIL TO LGP@PRAYERSTEPS.ORG.