Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Honor one another above yourselves. Be…patient in affliction. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Do not repay anyone evil for evil. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my friends. If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. Do not be overcome by evil but overcome evil with good. (Romans 12:2, 10, 12, 14, 17-21, NIV 1984).
My Musings – This is an interesting thread that runs through Romans 12. It is counter cultural, to say the least. Perhaps the predominant “pattern of this world” that runs through literature, television, and the movies is one of vengeance. Not a mere Shakespearean “pound of flesh” getting even. But a “they pull a knife; you pull a gun. He sends one of yours to the hospital, you send one of his to the morgue. That’s the “pattern of this world” way!” (The Untouchables, 1987). Going beyond getting even.
Is it art imitating life, or life imitating art? It really doesn’t matter. For Paul was spot on when He said, “a little yeast works through the whole batch of dough.” (Galatians 5:8–9, NIV 1984). A “little” act of disobedience in the garden corrupted “this world.” And the “pattern” is becoming increasingly pronounced.
My Advice – “‘It is mine to avenge; I will repay,’ says the Lord.” (Romans 12:19, NIV 1984). It is His, because only He is totally just. My fear is that many in the Church are “conforming…to the pattern of this world,” when we should be “transformed by the renewing of [our] mind.” Let’s be counter cultural.
The Brew Is A Musing 