There are things that shape us—that contribute to the molding of our minds and hearts. Our relationships, society, and country all play a part in this formative process.

Messages are coming at us on an hourly basis about what is right or wrong, or good or bad, or attractive or ugly, or valuable or insignificant, or just or unjust, or true or false.

That why if you don’t proactively shape who you are, you will be passively shaped.

Granted, there are many things in our relationships, society and country which have a positive impact on us. But there are many negative things as well.

In Romans 12:2 (NLT) Paul writes: “Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.”

If you want to learn God’s will, why would you spend time copying the behaviour and customs of our society which has sometimes (many times) been led astray?

Recently, my wife and I started a garden in our backyard. You have to proactively work the soil and plant the seeds. But after a while, if you’re not careful, the weeds take over! To ensure that doesn’t happen, you have to uproot the weeds, and keep tending to the soil and nurturing the plants that you actually want to grow.

Sounds like a pretty good way to think about life.

Do you naively swallow the messages you hear without a second thought? Or do you run what you see and hear through the filter of God’s word and will?

If you don’t proactively shape who you are, you will be passively shaped.

So be proactive.

By Matthew Ruttan

–“Heaven’s Expats.” That’s my latest sermon which uses Psalm 85 to help us reflect on what it means to be citizens of heaven while being citizens of Canada at the same time. Click here to access YouTube or audio-only download options. Enjoy!

–Bible quotes are from the NIV.