December 8, 2021 -- Romans 12:1-2 -- Let Holiness be the Pattern

I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. 2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.
Romans 12:1-2 ESV

How often have you watched “Elf”? Can you count the number of times you’ve watched “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation”? No doubt you’re thinking of your favourite Christmas movie, or your favourite genre of Christmas movie—like Hallmark’s series along the lines of “A Prince for Christmas”. Watching those movies often conforms you to this world’s priorities—the Christmas spirit (whatever it is according to the world without Christ at the centre of it). According to these movies cannot be happy without the perfect tree, or the perfect boyfriend, or the perfect gift or whatever is the standard or pattern of the world.

We are called to a different standard reinforced by a holy pattern. The daily reading of Scripture, so that our hearts and minds are loosened from the the grip of greed and surrendered to the grip of grace. Even passages so familiar to the heart can be used to yield fresh insights and work in us its transforming power because of the glorious presence of the Spirit, Who ignites in us an ability to savour the Word and carry it deep into our hearts.

The Word establishes in us a standard of all that is good and acceptable and perfect. Each time we read the Word, and as we memorize the Word, the Spirit stores up the directives of the Word within us, we are more influenced by it, directed by it and unconsciously as well as intentionally shaped by it.

In the morning you won’t miss that first cup of coffee (or tea, or orange juice). You know you need to brush your teeth. You get into the habit of preparing for the day. Do so with the Word. Let it be your holy habit, so ingrained that a day without the word is life a day without coffee.

King of Creation, Who is like You—the LORD God Who approaches His people and makes Himself known?! Blessed are You and great is Your glory. Spirit of the Living God drum into us a deep and steady desire for the Word. Spirit of the Living God from the riches of the Word, help us to see Jesus Christ and perceive His glory, perfections and the more we perceive of His blessedness make ever greater the pull to study the Word and memorize it until holiness becomes the well-loved habit of our heart.

https://youtu.be/aRVs0HikGeM