STEP31: In The World But Not Of It

"I beg you, dearly beloved, by the mercy of God, to give yourselves as a living and holy sacrifice pleasing to God; that is the kind of worship for you, as sensible people. Don't let yourselves be shaped by the world where you live, but rather be transformed through the renewal of your mind. You must discern the will of God: what is good, what pleases, what is perfect." (Romans 12:1-2)

*From Christian Community Bible (Catholic Pastoral Edition):

Give yourselves as a living and holy sacrifice pleasing to God. It is not only Sunday that belongs to God - even if the weekly Eucharist is essential to Christian life. It is not only specific duties that we are to accomplish. God wants all that springs from our person.

Don't let yourselves be shaped by the world where you live. We are invaded by propaganda, fashion, and songs without considering the weight of our cherished past. All that is the world: it encloses us in its logic and its would-be necessities. Yet we should be free for our heart to be only for God. We however become accustomed to what everyone does and still more to the sweet slavery of money. Without being aggressive or pessimistic the Christian will always challenge the world.

Inner renewal must transform you. Before adopting a rule of life, you must first have its spirit. You do not imitate St. Francis by wearing a habit: you must first be shattered by the love of the poor Christ. Christian renewal springs from new criteria, from a new vision of existence, of the modern world and of our liberty. Baptism that makes new Christians of us, initiates a renewal of our spirit enlightened by God.

You will know what God wants. Following the best rules is not enough; we must constantly force ourselves to discover, meditate and understand the will of God in all the events of our life.

Image Source: https://www.lds.org

*STEP is a personal project of someone who is in the midst of a great spiritual battle. Fight with her. Pray for her. :)

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These Little Wonders

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