***Listen To Audio Version: Outside the Box Audio 607
Today’s Devotional Scripture: “And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” - Romans 12:2 KJV
The Message For Today (August 3, 2026):
***Listen To Audio Version: Outside the Box Audio 607
Boxed In
Most of us have heard of the phrase, “think outside the box”. But what exactly is the box? And what does thinking outside that box look like?
Well, I believe it might look different for each of us, but I know that for many, including myself, it was a box of confined thinking. Thinking based on past religious or legalistic environments, and thinking based on past hurts and even abuse. Thinking based on what the world around us tells us is right and good.
According to Strong’s Concordance, the Greek word for “be transformed” is (metamorphóō) (G3339). This is derived from meta (‘change after being with’) and morphoo (‘changing form in keeping with inner reality’), meaning a total transformation, from the inside out. This type of change is present and continuous when our thoughts are saturated by, and aligned with His Word. A great way to envision this type of metamorphosis is that of a caterpillar becoming a butterfly.
The word “renewing” (anakainōsis) comes from ana, meaning “up, completing a process,” which intensifies the root word (kainos), or “make fresh, new”. We are again pointed to a complete change, a structural makeover; removal of old toxic, fear-based, and legalistic or worldly thinking. The old thought patterns are removed and replaced by His new Spirit-filled framework (Strong’s G342).
It is also interesting to note that the word “conformed” (syschēmatízō), in this scripture, is derived from syn, or “identified with,” and schema, “having outward shape.” In other words, you are fashioning or making yourself like someone else, or conforming to their pattern. This can be equated to someone trying to fit into a mold or shape (like a box) that isn’t their size, or masquerading as someone they are not.
You can almost hear Paul saying to us through this scripture, “Stop allowing the world to squeeze you into their mold…their box…their way of thinking!”
Remember, the enemy will always try to lure us into conforming to the world’s standards and make our decisions based on fear. The Holy Spirit allows us to see life in God’s perspective, as we abide in Christ and His fruits of the Spirit.
Beyond the Box
We know this is a process, and that we must renew our minds daily, choosing to clear out the mental disarray and clutter. This happens when we “…bring into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ...” (2 Corinthians 10:5 KJV).
In doing this, we aren’t ignoring the negative thoughts; we are taking them captive and replacing them with God’s living truth, as supplied through His word.
We also know that whatever we meditate on, we become.
“…whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report…think on these things.” (Philippians 4:8 KJV)
And wisdom tells us to:
“Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life”. (Proverbs 4:23 KJV)
Today, let us choose to step outside the box and abide in Christ. As we abide in Him, outside the confines that once bound us, we choose a life of freedom. An expansive place to heal, dream, and grow with Him. It is here that He equips us with wisdom, peace, and revelatory knowledge.
For we know that His plans for our lives are always
“…exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us…” (Eph. 3:20). And that “…where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.” (2 Corinthians 3:17 KJV)
A Question
What have you been thinking or meditating on that is stealing your peace…your joy…your love?
And what life-giving truth is the Holy Spirit giving you today to replace any of these negative thoughts with an exponentially better thought, a higher thought, one that forces you to step outside the box and into His presence?
Closing Devotional Prayer
My Prayer for You:
Heavenly Father, You are amazing, and we thank You for sending us Your Son, offering us a better way to live. Thank You for giving us Your living Word as our guide, pointing back to You on this journey of healing and renewal. Thank You for making us new as we abide in Christ. Forgive us for the times we’ve tried to cram ourselves into the world’s way of thinking and being, and grant us the Wisdom to know what walking in Your Freedom looks like. Thank you for giving us Your clarity and Your peace as we go through this week, taking every thought captive and thinking on every good thing. In the Mighty name of Jesus, Amen!
Personal note from Jennifer:
I pray this morning’s devotional has been a blessing to you. If you would like 1:1 support at this time, you can tap the link below to book a confidential 1:1 consultation. My schedule for August is open.