Do not be conformed to this world, but continually be transformed by the renewing of your minds so that you may be able to determine what God’s will is – what is proper, pleasing, and perfect. Romans 12:2.

What does this verse have to do with personal development? This is the first of a two part article where we will explore the answer to this question.

First: What is the biggest contamination in this world?
You might be thinking “evil of course” or “rebellion against God” or even “dishonoring God” – yes, all of these answers are true.

But the very heart of these answers is the negative words that are spoken and thought. (Take a look at Genesis 6:5).

All three of the above answers could be summed up with – Negative Words.

Second: What exactly is being conformed to this world?

A popular definition of “this world” is the material things, but in fact –

God is more interested in what you have in your HEART than what you have in your home.

To really understand this concept let’s take a look at the “normal” priorities of “this world”:
1. Self - what can I get out of living. The top priority of most people’s minds is self.
2. Negative – the most popular trend of this world is negative.

Don’t believe me? What sells more in movies, books, news, tv shows? What are the headlines that are always glaring at you from the magazine rack as you by the supermarket checkouts? Violence, scandal, gossip — negative!

What is the main topic of the conversations you hear when you approach a group of co-workers in the office, factory or restaurant? – Negative! ..

Motivational and “self development” teaching in its purest form is all about renewing your mind and training yourself
to become the champion you were born to be.

1. It is about finding the seed of your destiny that God put in your heart and then watering this seed.
2. It is about taking responsibility for the free will that God has given you and using that free will to be your best for the benefit of others around you.
3. It is all about learning to really make a difference in the lives of others. This includes learning to really put God and others first in your mind and heart.
4. It is about creating a positive mindset that will be able to contain the blessings of God. This is how you learn to walk in abundance and success.
5. It is about learning to focus on positive faith building thoughts that will attract blessings. A positive mindset has room for blessings while a negative mindset is not able to receive good things.

   This means that as long as your mindset is negative, you will be missing out on a lot of what God really wants to give you.

Remember Jesus talked about old wineskins not being able to contain the new? (Mark 2:22).

Christ centered motivational and self development teaching is all about creating the new wineskins that are able to carry the new wine.

Look for part two on Wednesday March 3rd, 2010.

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