Women’s Devotion: Conformity or Transformation?
Conformity or Transformation?
“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that you may discern what is the will of God—what is good and acceptable and perfect.”
Romans 12:2
We’ve been in this season of the Pandemic for 20 months now. There are varying opinions if the end is in sight or not, but pretty much everyone agrees as a society, and as individuals, that our lives have been forever changed. What light does this verse from Romans 12 shed on such a time as this for us as followers of Christ?
Have we conformed to the chaos of varying opinions and stances that we see all around? Even as we try to discern the will of God, it is so easy to slip into any number of ruts that drag us into conformity. The chaotic pattern of the world is constantly pulling at us. We are constantly bombarded by all of the messages of readily accessible media angles. We almost feel broken at times. But we are called to be transformed by the renewing of our minds, letting the light of Christ shine through us especially in the broken places, leaving the ways and attitudes of this world behind. This is a huge challenge for us, just as it was for the Roman believers in the early church.
We’ll be exploring this topic of transformation in our time at our 2022 Women’s Retreat that will be held at the beautiful Lied Lodge and Conference Center in Nebraska City, Friday evening to Saturday afternoon of April 1 and 2. Registration will be available in December. I hope you will make this time away a priority in your schedule.
Thank you, heavenly Father, for your mercies to us in these uncertain times. Help us to remember the transforming work you began in us at our Baptism and empower us to discern what is your good and acceptable and perfect will for us as your children. Amen.
This month’s devotion is written by Kathy Paisley. Kathy is a Deacon in the ELCA, retired from full-time ministry at Sheridan but still doing some teaching, leading women’s ministries and the new member process. She is also a Spiritual Director. She is married to Ben and together they enjoy time with their family, especially 3 young grandchildren.