Nougat 17

Have you ever been caught trying to fit in by imitating others? I have been there. And ironically I was copying another believer. Yup, it happens that way too. The fact is, God’s will is for us to be our own selves – unique and beloved. Just as it says in today’s Holy Nougat

“Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.” ‭‭Romans‬ ‭12:2‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Yup

It says it – don’t copy others’ behaviors and customs. Well, it zeroed in on worldly behaviors and customs, but the truth is, so many believers have what I call a mish-match hodgepodge collection of practices and often we don’t quite know or understand the theology and biblical roots behind it.

Many of us have been exposed to the charismatic movement, and we might have been drawn or repulsed by the signs and wonders which accompany it. And there is a definite space for the move of God’s Spirit in every fellowship. But an occasional visit to a prophetic service does not make us experts. We need to get a deeper understanding of the ministry, what they believe and why; allowing God to make the much-desired transition, as needed.

Perhaps even more of us have been influenced by the teaching of mainline church. And for many, the first thing we note is what we consider the absence of God’s Spirit – no signs and wonders. And some folk believe that it is The Way, because it’s solid teaching. Which it well may be; but is it grounded in God’s Word, or Tradition?

And that’s the question we must ask for ourselves of any spiritual way. Whether traditional or charismatic; whatever the confessional slant, we must check if they are God-grounded. Ask ourselves whether God is the highest and absolute authority in the space. If it is the pastor, prophet, apostle, pope, archbishop, bishop, or tradition … hurry up and invite God’s direction! It’s time to leave that space like Lot ran from Sodom.

We also apply this nougat in some trends surfacing around us. Not to judge others, but to safeguard our own faith and in turn, those who are in our circle of influence. It is absolutely and totally about our minds – what we focus on as the Source of our faith. It is, for us who claim Jesus as Savior and Lord, about keeping God as the Main Thing in all we think, say and do. That’s how we avoid becoming copycats of others.

Most of all, I truly hope we see and hear that God’s calling each of us to be our own unique and authentic self – called and led by God’s Spirit. Fashioned according to God’s plan for this day, regardless of what the times intimate. For God to change our thoughts, we must be in ongoing conversation with God – listening, questioning, absorbing, adjusting … until we are who God desires. Then we start the process all over again to maintain the connection and the transformation.

Pretty soon, it’s a lifestyle. And by then we will be able discern (and discriminate) what’s God’s will for us. Sounds like a good plan eh? Let’s do it.

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May all we seek be found in Christ