Formed: Becoming More Like Christ

God is not only interested in what we know about Him; He cares about who we are becoming.

Character is often formed in the places nobody sees—in how we respond when we’re frustrated, how we treat someone who has hurt us, what we do when no one is watching, and whether we remain faithful in the small things.

Romans 12:2 teaches us not to conform to the patterns of this world, but to be transformed by the renewing of our minds. God wants to change more than our behavior; He wants to transform the way we think, respond, speak, and live.

Being formed by Christ also means learning not to follow something simply because the culture around us considers it normal. There will be times when following Jesus causes us to examine traditions, celebrations, entertainment, and practices that everyone else may accept without question. Our standard cannot simply be, “Everyone else is doing it.” We should be willing to ask, “Does this honor God? Does this reflect Christ? Does this agree with His Word?”

Especially during a month when certain cultural traditions are widely celebrated, this is an opportunity to practice discernment. Our decisions shouldn't come from fear, pressure, or simply following tradition. They should come from a mind being renewed by God's Word and a desire to please Him.

This month, don’t only ask, “What is God teaching me?” Ask:

“Who is forming me—the world around me or Christ within me?”

As you spend time in His Word, allow the Holy Spirit to reveal areas of your character, habits, and thinking that need growth. Don’t rush past conviction. Let Him work in you.

The goal isn’t simply to know more Scripture by the end of this month. The goal is to look a little more like Jesus.

REFLECT:

Is there anything I do simply because it is normal around me that I need to examine through God’s Word?

PRAYER:

Father, search my heart and renew my mind. Show me where I have allowed the patterns around me to influence the way I think or live. Give me discernment and courage to choose what honors You. Shape my character and help me become more like Jesus in the way I think, speak, respond, and live. Amen.

MONTHLY CHALLENGE:

Choose one area of your life—your character, habits, entertainment, traditions, relationships, or responses—and intentionally examine it through Scripture this month. Ask God what He wants to form, change, or strengthen in you.