Each Friday my writing stems from a word prompt. Five minutes, one word prompt. The prompt this week is … Adapt.
Upon seeing the word, the definition comes to mind of changing to fit in to one’s environment. To some extent we must do this in order to live and get along with those around us and whom we encounter on a regular basis. We also adapt to the climate, changing the clothes we wear so that our bodies stay warm and protected, or cool and comfortable.
There is a downside to this word as well which Scripture warns us:
“Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” (Romans 12:2, NIV)
We are not to adapt – become adjusted to, or adjust oneself to the world. We are to let God do the work of transformation in our hearts and minds. In this way, rather than adapting the ways of our environment and society, our hearts and minds become enmeshed with His, becoming more and more like Him.
Scripture reminds us that we are “aliens and strangers in this world” (1 Peter 2:11-12, NIV) and although we live here we are to live differently. We must live with grace, gentleness, and love so as to remain distinct yet desirable. This is the way in which others will see God in our lives and world, and come to acknowledge Him.
The words to an old song comes to mind:
“This world is not my home, I’m just a passing thru,
My treasures are laid up somewhere beyond the blue;
The angels beckon me from Heaven’s open door,
And I can’t feel at home in this world anymore.”(from the song, This World Is Not My Home)
The more we become like Him,
the less we will adapt to the world around us.
Today I am joining … Five Minute Friday and Faith On Fire and Fresh Market Friday and Faith ”˜N Friends .
There are days I long for heaven and there are days I love my life! And, look forward to the “next thing.” Today is one of those days!
We are beings that are surely betwixt and between. So grateful He is in every one of our days! xo
Enjoyed your writing today. I went in a similar direction. FMF20
Glad you stopped here as your post blessed me!
“The more we become like Him,
the less we will adapt to the world around us.”
Amen, sister! And the best way to become more like Him is to spend time with Him and to read His word.
Joanne, you have got to be one of the most prolific writers I know. I love visiting here!
May we go the best way, Jerralea!
Hi Joanne,
Thanks for the reminder that He is the One who does the changing. I also have to say I share your 2018 Word for the Year — focus! Visiting from #41 FMF.
I love that we share the same word for this year! It is always interesting to see what others are also learning on the word.
This is a beautiful meditation, friend. I’d much rather adapt to Jesus than to the world!
Much appreciated!
Love these words! Thanks so much for sharing!
(Your FMF neighbor)
Striking that balance of being in the world but not of it is one of those complexities we can only make sense out of when we remain in Christ. I’m so grateful for His grace, Joanne, cause some days I’m way off. 🙂
Thanks for your wise words today. Blessings to you!
Me as well, Marva. It is a good thing He works so faithfully in us to keep us steady.
Yes!! Lord, make me more like You! Profound, indeed! Blessings
Joanne, I remember sitting in a small group and listening as the discussion centered on this very thing and being so relieved that what I was feeling was OK. I’d felt different, out of step, off-balance with the world and the knowledge that this is how a Christian should be was freeing to me! I now celebrate my differences and discomfort from the world! Thank you for sharing your wisdom, Cindy #fmf
Cindy, I can remember a similar time in my own life. We can so want to be included and we were truly meant to live to the beat of a different Drummer.
Wonderful truth in this post! Hopefully, I am less adapted to this world and more adapted to the world to come.
God bless!
in the #48 spot this week
Beautiful words!
So very true! I just finished reading Bob Goff’s book Everybody Always–and I realized that sometimes, the church and all its rules becomes ‘the world.’ We have to adapt to loving people who creep us out (as Bob would say).
Love the quote from Bob! And that is a book on my “to read” list. Hoping to get to it over the summer.