Formation | Monday | 10/19

You Are Being Formed

Romans 12:1–2 I appeal to you therefore, brothers and sisters, on the basis of God’s mercy, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your reasonable act of worship. ² Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of the mind, so that you may discern what is the will of God—what is good and acceptable and perfect.

Every day, something is shaping you.

The people you spend time with. The conversations you participate in. The music you listen to. The news you consume. The habits you repeat.

Whether you recognize it or not, all these things are influencing the person you are becoming.

Paul tells the Romans, “Don't be conformed to the patterns of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds.”

Notice that Paul presents two possibilities: conformity and transformation.

We are either being shaped by the patterns around us or being transformed through the renewing work of God.

And here's the important part: formation is happening whether we're paying attention or not.

You don't have to intentionally pursue anger to become an angry person. You can simply spend enough time immersed in environments that cultivate resentment.

You don't have to intentionally pursue patience to begin becoming more patient, either. You can find yourself surrounded by people who model grace, practice forgiveness, and demonstrate the love of Christ.

The environments we inhabit matter.

And while transformation is ultimately the work of God's grace, we would do well to pay attention to the influences shaping our lives.

Reflect: 

When you look at the person you're becoming, what influences do you recognize as having the greatest impact?

Pray: 

God, open my eyes to the ways I'm being formed each day. Help me recognize the patterns shaping my thoughts, attitudes, and desires. Through your grace, continue transforming me into the likeness of Jesus. Amen.