DAILY TEXT, Today's Sunday, September 5, 2021, Cease to conform to this system of things (Rom. 12: 2).

DAILY TEXT, Today's Sunday, September 5, 2021

Let's Examine the Scriptures Every Day 2021

Sunday, September 5, 2021

Cease to conform to this system of things (Rom. 12: 2).

Paul was concerned that apparently the harmful philosophies and reasoning of Satan's world had influenced some Christians (Eph. 4: 17-19). This can happen to any of us. Satan, the god of this system of things, uses various methods in a desperate effort to turn us away from Jehovah. One of them is to exploit any desire we have to fulfill selfish ambitions or to be someone in the world. He can even draw on our background, culture, or education to make us think the way he wants. Can we get things out of our minds that are "strongly entrenched"? (2 Cor. 10: 4). Let's see Paul's response: “We are breaking down reasonings and every lofty thing that rises up against the knowledge of God; and we put every thought into captivity to make it obedient to the Christ ”(2 Cor. 10: 5). Indeed, with Jehovah's help we can control erroneous reasoning. w19.06 8 pars. 1-3

How does prayer help us change the force that drives our minds?

The first thing we must do is pray. We should ask the same thing as the writer of the psalm who said: "Create in me even a pure heart, O God, and put in me a new spirit, one that is constant" (Ps. 51:10). We must recognize that we have a need to change the force that drives our minds and ask Jehovah for help. Why are we sure it will help us? Let's see what he promised about the stubborn Israelites of Ezekiel's day: “I will give them one heart, and I will put a new spirit within them; [...] and I will give you a heart of flesh ”, that is, receptive to God's guidance (Ezek. 11:19). These words encourage us. Jehovah was willing to help those Israelites to change, and he is willing to help us as well.

According to Psalm 119: 59, what should we meditate on? b) What questions do we have to ask ourselves?

Second, it is very important to meditate. Every day, we need to read the Bible carefully and take time to ponder or reflect on what ideas and opinions we should change (read Psalm 119: 59; Heb. 4:12; James 1:25). Let's identify the thoughts that have been influenced by the world's philosophies. We have to honestly acknowledge our weaknesses and strive to overcome them.

To do this, we could ask ourselves questions like these: "Do I have some envy or jealousy in my heart?" (1 Pet. 2: 1). "Am I proud of my background, education, or financial situation?" (Prov. 16: 5). "Do I look over my shoulder at those who do not have the same things as me or those who are of another race?" (James 2: 2-4). "Am I attracted to what Satan's world has to offer?" (1 John 2: 15-17). "Do I like immoral and violent entertainment?" (Ps. 97:10; 101: 3; Amos 5:15). The answers to these questions may highlight areas where we need to work. If we tear down these “strongly entrenched” ideas, we will please our heavenly Father (Ps. 19:14).

Why is choosing good friends so important?

Third, you need to choose good friends. Whether we realize it or not, those with whom we associate greatly influence us (Prov. 13:20). At school or at work, we are surrounded by people who do not help us to think like Jehovah. Instead, in meetings we can find the best friends, who will incite or motivate us to show love and do good works (Heb. 10:24, 25).

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