Learning Something that is Good, Pleasing and Perfect

As an expert in adult learning and development in the corporate world, I can easily tell you that one of the key metrics that is always considered is the affect to the business' bottom line by behavioral changes in the students. Has the student not only learned the material but also is he using it in an effective manner on the job? This is often referred to as the Kirkpatrick Level 3. This means that the student is able to demonstrate the skills that he learned in the classroom on the job. It is one thing to say that a person attended a training class, but it quite another to say that he is able to effectively use the skill on the job.

The same holds with our Christian life. We can go to Sunday School classes, morning worship services and possibly Wednesday Bible studies. However, can we honestly say that we have learned the lessons when we do not demonstrate what it means to be a Christian? Think about your actions during the week. Are you demonstrating Christ-like behaviors to your friends, family, co-workers and even strangers?

Paul tells us in Romans 12:2 that we must be transformed by God into a new being and not follow the learned behaviors of the world. We must discard them and live as God intended for us to live. Once we start living the way God's will dictates to us, we will find that that the new behaviors are good, pleasing and perfect.

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. Romans 12:2 (NLT)