How to Be Blessed By God
Patterns Are Important

Scripture: 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.

          Anyone who plays sports knows that practice is important to improvement.  But, even more important, is to be sure we are practicing the right things.  If I am practicing a wrong or incorrect pattern, all I end up with is a well-toned bad habit!  If I do the correct things over and over, those patterns will serve me well!

So it is in our walk with God…patterns are important.  The Apostle Paul tells us not to conform to the patterns of the world.  In other words, stop the habits that we’ve developed that are ungodly.  We have patterns that we habitually do when we get irritated with someone.  It might be a pattern of cursing or name calling.  We have patterns that we habitually follow when we want to relax and be entertained.  Patterns like drinking, smoking or viewing pornographic material.  We have patterns of relating to people around us.  Patterns like men viewing women as objects rather than people.  Or, patterns like “jumping to conclusions” or “judging harshly” can be habitually practiced!

The Apostle Paul tells us to break these habits or patterns.  We break a pattern the same way we form these patterns…daily practice.  Every morning I must ask God to bring to mind these patterns that come so mindlessly.  That will give me a chance to change that behavior.  Philippians 4:13 reminds us that we can do “everything through Him who gives me strength.”  The new patterns will take work at first, but soon will be as automatic as the old, ungodly ones.

“Father, please help me to see any patterns in my life that dishonor you and hurt me.  Thanks for your power.  In Jesus’ Name, Amen.”