When to Trust My Feelings:
Do Not Conform – Part 1

Scripture Reading:  Romans 12:1-8

Key Verse: Romans 12:2

Do not conform any longer 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.

I want to start today’s study with the New Living Translation’s rendering of our printed key verse for today: “Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think.  Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.”

            We have seen this month that God does work in and through our feelings, but sometimes our feelings are still purely selfish.  When can I trust my feelings?  The Apostle Paul presents the first question to help us: Am I copying any patterns of the world or am I following God’s patterns?  If you are knowingly and willfully disobeying God’s will for your life, you can’t trust your feelings.  Disobedience in one area will affect all the areas of your relationship with God.  This question is not complicated; does anything come to your mind when it is asked?  Do you know of anything that God has been “poking” at you about and you have yet to obey His nudges in your life?

            As Paul wrote, we must allow God to transform us into a new person.  When we do, we will know that good, pleasing and perfect will of God.  When we don’t allow God to transform us, by our stubborn disobedience, then we won’t know God’s will for our life!  Take a few moments and check your heart.  Are you ignoring anything that God is saying to you?  Determine to do all you know to do!

Father, I want to be totally surrendered to your ways of doing life.  Please continue your transforming work in me.  I ask this in Jesus’ Name, Amen.