Romans 12:2
“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 12:2
On the first Sunday in Lent, the traditional Gospel reading is the story of Jesus testing in the wilderness. This year the church heard the story from Matthew’s Gospel. (Matthew 4). Matthew uses the word “test” in his report of it. He reports the wilderness experience was a test for Jesus in which he turns away from the options the Tempter presents him. Romans likewise calls for us not to be transformed by the temptations of the world. As an alternative we can be transformed by the intentional focus of our minds on what is good, acceptable, and perfect in the will of God.
What do you see near you that is good, good in the will of God? Focus on that to avoid temptation.
Prayer:
“Lord, help me to focus on your gifts that will renew me. Point me toward what is good, so that in my mind I might begin to serve you. Amen.”
-Rev John DeBevoise