Reflecting on Our Picture of God
"Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of the mind, so that you may discern what is the will of God--what is good and acceptable and perfect." Romans 12:2 NRSV
Series: Everyday Apprentice
Devotional: 2 of 9
On the innermost walls of our mind, there is a picture of who we think God is. Whether we realize it or not, our idea of God and the images associated with it profoundly affect how we move through our daily lives. Our picture of God serves as a compass, often unconsciously directing even our most basic decisions. But for so many today, the image of God in our minds is distorted, faded, or incomplete. Why does this matter? A.W. Tozer observed, "What comes into our mind when we think about God is the most important thing about us." Said another way, we will become like the picture of God that we hold in our hearts.
The Apostle Paul warns all who call on Jesus as Lord and Savior to be on guard against the schemes of this world. (See Romans 12:2 NRSV) As Jesus' apprentices, we must not stand by passively, allowing our current culture to conform us into its way of life. Instead, the Holy Spirit invites us to be active participants in the renewing of our minds, daily posturing our lives so that we are transformed more and more into the image of Christ.
Scripture warns us that we have an enemy who is constantly on the prowl, "looking for someone to devour." He is the father of lies, always seeking to distort the Truth of God in the hope that his schemes will penetrate deep into our minds, poisoning our picture of God. (See John 8:44 NRSV) But for the watchful apprentice of Jesus, the lies of the enemy follow a rather predictable pattern, always seeking to twist and manipulate Truth, leaving in its place a half-truth meant to create doubt and fear in our minds.
Jesus, our loving Master, provides us with a model for how to fight off the lies of the enemy. In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus is led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil (See Matthew 4:1-11 NRSV). This time would serve as training and preparation for His earthly ministry. The devil begins his attack by posing a question specifically for the purposes of creating doubt. "If you are the Son of God?" With each progressive temptation, Jesus counters the devil's attack with the Truth of Scripture. Like Jesus, when the enemy of our souls comes knocking on the door of our minds, we would do well to respond with the Word of God as our defense.
Today, take a few moments in the presence of Jesus to reflect on the picture of God that you are currently carrying around in your mind. In this place, ask the Lord to replace any distortions of who He is with the Truth of Scripture.
OnThe3rdDay Devotionals
Devotionals that illustrate Biblical principles in a simple and short format that can be applied to your everyday life.
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