Martin Luther nailed his 95 theses on the Wittenberg church door 499 years ago today. He was worried about the church’s way and wanted to call the church back to the grace of God. My favorite of all the 95 theses is #62 “The true treasure of the Church is the Holy Gospel of the glory and grace of God.” When the body of Christ remembers this, all is well. And this goes to each individual member too. That’s why doing a spiritual check up regularly is highly recommended. If your true treasure is anything but the Holy Gospel of the glory and grace of God, you need to reform your ways.

Reform your ways

And do not be conformed to this world [any longer with its superficial values and customs], but be transformed and progressively changed [as you mature spiritually] by the renewing of your mind [focusing on godly values and ethical attitudes], so that you may prove [for yourselves] what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect [in His plan and purpose for you]. (Romans 12:2, AMP)

It’s so easy to be lured into the world’s ways, values and customs. But there’s no excuse when we know better. “Everybody is doing it” is not a valid reason to be conformed to this world. Hence “Reform your ways” is something we need to hear daily. God has called us to become holy like he is holy. Not by our own might but by God’s mighty grace. (And that makes a huge difference, it’s God’s work from start to finish.)

Renew your mind

Throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy. (Eph. 4:22-24, NLT)

The secret of personal reformation lies in renewing your mind. Let go of the old ways of thinking and let the Spirit of God change you inside out. Put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. Say yes to God’s offer of grace, it will transform you and progressively change you into Christ-likeness. As a result, you mature spiritually and then you will truly know what it means to have the Holy Gospel of the glory and grace of God as your true treasure.

 

Gracious God,
Thank you for calling us back to you and
thank you for offering us grace upon grace.
We need it, Lord.
Forgive us for being lured into the world’s ways.
Wash us clean, Lord.
Renew, restore, reform.
Make us holy like you.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen

Q4U: Do you reform your ways regularly?

Be blessed, my fellow pilgrim, as you embrace God’s grace!

Image courtesy of Mari-Anna Stålnacke. Linking up today with #SmallWonder.