The Real Thing

Romans 12:2

“and do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.”

“Jail-House Religion” can either be “the real thing”, or, “a cheap imitation”. All of us have seen imitation, “knock-off” products – fake Nike tennis shoes, imitation Air-Jordan’s, fake designer handbags like Gucci, etc. You can tell the fakes over time, maybe not so much at first, but over time the imitation breaks down, falls apart and gets thrown away. We don’t use it anymore. It becomes clear why it was so cheap to begin with.

Unlike when we might have been tricked into buying a fake “knock-off”, in our new relationship with God we determine through our own actions, habits and beliefs, whether we get “the real thing” or “a cheap imitation”.

Finally, I wanted “the real thing”. God got my attention. I wanted the rest of my life to be the opposite of my past. I did not want to come back to prison.

We must decide to stop conforming to the world around us. For too long we have cared too much about what others say. Instead, we should care what God says. We must desire to be transformed by His Word.

TODAY’S CHALLENGE:

Tell God the Father you truly want the real thing. Tell Him you’re not playing anymore, and that you are ready to let Him transform you.

Get real with God. God will get real with you.

Dive Deeper: Study Romans 12.