"Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind..." —Romans 12:2

What's your definition of success? Some people define success in material terms: having a job that pays lots of money and being able to afford a nice home and car. Others define success in competitive terms: outdoing others as if life were a competition. Still others define success in terms of prestige or celebrity.

It is tempting to judge ourselves and one another by such standards, but Scripture tells us that's not how Jesus judges us. We doubt he would be impressed by a big bank account or by a prestigious title. He seems more interested in what's in our hearts. He looks for compassion, humility, generosity.

As Christians, we ought to expect that the world's values will sometimes be contrary to our Lord's values. The temptation to accept the world's values as our own is real and serious. But Paul urges us not to give in to the temptation. He reminds us that our Lord Jesus is able to transform us so that our hearts are filled with the qualities he values.

Grace and peace,