DAILY TEXT, Today's Monday October 4, 2021, Stop conforming to this system of things; rather, transform yourself by remaking your mind (Rom. 12: 2).

DAILY TEXT, Today's Monday, October 4, 2021

Let's Examine the Scriptures Every Day 2021

Monday, October 4, 2021

Stop conforming to this system of things; rather, transform yourself by making your mind over (Rom. 12: 2).

Let's remember the changes we had to make when we accepted the truth of God's Word and decided to serve Jehovah. Many of us had to stop doing bad things (1 Cor. 6: 9-11). How we thank God for helping us to abandon these practices. However, we must never rest on our laurels. Although we have given up the serious sins that we committed before we were baptized, we still have to work to avoid anything that will cause us to fall back into them. We must do two things. First, we have to stop conforming to this world. Second, we have to transform ourselves by remaking or renewing the mind. Transformation involves more than a superficial change in appearance. It affects all that we are. We have to renew the mind, that is, our deepest inclinations, attitudes and feelings. w19.06 9 pars. 4-6

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 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 driving force in 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.

a) 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 it so important to choose good friends?

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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