Bible Reading: Romans 12:2
Have you ever cheated on an assignment or a test? Have you ever promised to be faithful to a friend, then talked about that friend behind his or her back? Have you ever broken a
promise?
If you’ve done any of those things, you cheated. You were unfaithful. You were disloyal.
Cheating, or disloyalty, is definitely a part of the “pattern of this world.” Cheating saddens God. We’re told in Romans 12:2, “Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is-his good, pleasing and perfect will.” When we have Christ in our lives, God expects us to pattern our life after Christ, not the world.
How can we do that?
* Follow Christ’s example, not the world’s example.
* Never do anything that violates another person’s rights in any way.
* Never do anything that can hurt someone emotionally or physically.
* Aim to meet the needs of others before your own.
* Always love others as much as you love yourself.
* Admit when you have failed.
* Seek the forgiveness of God and those you’ve hurt when you act disloyally.
“Anyone, then, who knows the good he ought to do and doesn't do it, sins.” Jams 4:17
Prayer: Heavenly Father, help me to pattern myself and my life after Jesus. In Jesus’ name. Amen.