The World’s Pattern

The world is constantly trying to conform us to look like it. And God is constantly trying to transform us…to look like Jesus.

Paul puts it this way: Do not conform 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. (Romans 12:2 NIV)

The right choice is clear. But don’t miss this key part of this verse. Like in the movie The Matrix, this fallen world has a specific pattern. It’s helpful to recognize that so we don’t accidentally align with it.

As creatives, we can easily recognize patterns within a story or piece of art. But we’re often less aware of the patterns around us. C. S. Lewis says: "Every age has its own outlook. It is specially good at seeing certain truths and specially liable to make certain mistakes. We all, therefore, need the books that will correct the characteristic mistakes of our own period. And that means the old books."

If we don’t want to conform to the patterns of the world, we need to be aware of them so we can then avoid and reject them.

One last thought. If today’s reading resonated, take a moment now to email or share it with a fellow creative, friend or family member who could use the encouragement.

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