Below is a 5 Day Devotional based off our current series and sermon, this updated weekly on Monday.

Counter-Formation – Who Are You Becoming?

Day 1 – Formation Is Happening All the Time
Scripture: Romans 12:2 “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind…”

Reflection: Every day you are being shaped — by what you scroll, watch, buy, and dwell on. The Greek word syschēmatízō means to be pressed into a mold, often without  realizing it. Our culture is molding us into distraction, envy, consumerism, and burnout. The question isn’t if you are being formed, but by what.

Prayer: Lord, open my eyes to see where I am being shaped by culture more than by You.
 
Practice: Today, pause before grabbing your phone. Spend 5 minutes in silence with God first.

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Day 2 – Jesus Offers a New Way to Be Human
Scripture: Ephesians 4:22–24 “Put off your old self… and put on the new self, created after the likeness of God…”

Reflection: Transformation (metamorphoō) is more than behavior modification — it is becoming a new person. Like a caterpillar becoming a butterfly, Jesus changes our very nature. This renewal is ongoing and relational. It’s not about trying harder but about living daily with Jesus.

Prayer: Jesus, help me put off my old ways and be renewed in You today.

Practice: When you feel the pull of old habits, whisper: “I belong to Christ. Make me new.”

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Day 3 – Apprenticeship Is Counter-Formation
Scripture: Matthew 11:28–30 “Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me… and you will find rest for your souls.”

Reflection: A rabbi’s “yoke” was their teaching and way of life. To apprentice under Jesus means rejecting culture’s lies (“You are what you produce,” “You are your own god”) and receiving His gentle yoke. Counter-formation is spiritual rebellion against cultural conformity.  Jesus doesn’t crush you — His way brings rest, joy, and freedom.

Prayer: Jesus, I take Your yoke today. Teach me Your rhythms of grace.

Practice: Name one cultural message you’ve been believing (“I must hustle to be loved,” etc.). Replace it with Jesus’ truth (“I am loved because of Him”).

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Day 4 – Practicing Resistance
Scripture: Galatians 5:16–17 “Walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.”

Reflection: Counter-formation isn’t passive — it’s intentional resistance. Practices like silence, Sabbath, Scripture meditation, simplicity, and fasting act like scaffolding that holds us steady in Jesus. These are not legalistic burdens; they are invitations to freedom.

Prayer: Holy Spirit, give me the courage to resist what pulls me from Jesus and strength to walk in step with You.

Practice:  Choose one practice today — maybe 10 minutes of silence, or fasting from social media for the evening — and offer that space to God.
  
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Day 5 – Becoming Like Jesus
Scripture:  2 Corinthians 3:18 “We all… are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another.”

Reflection: The end goal isn’t perfection or isolation. It’s becoming the kind of person who naturally reflects Jesus’ peace, love, and strength in a chaotic world. Apprenticeship means slow but steady transformation — from one degree of glory to another.  Formation is inevitable. Counter-formation is intentional.

Prayer: Lord, shape me into Your likeness. Form in me Your love, humility, and joy.

Practice:  Look back over this week. Where have you noticed God reshaping you? End your day by thanking Him for His work in you.