When I first arrived in Carroll County in 1976 as an agricultural science and business teacher, I would often visit my students. Some of my students lived on farms and raised hogs. When I returned to my home from a visit to my hog producing students my wife would sometimes say, "You have been out with the pigs."

She picked up on a smell that I had gotten used to. I had been so surrounded by the odor that I did not notice it. I had gotten accustomed to the odor. It didn't bother me; in fact, I didn't even realize that it was with me.

Let me ask you, what have we as God's people, who live in this less than holy world, picked up and are now carrying with us that would cause God to say, "I love you but something you have with you smells of selfishness, wickedness, and rebellion."

We live in a world full of bad language, suggestive images, greedy advertisements, and role models of selfishness. We perhaps, without our realization, may have taken on some characteristics of the atmosphere around us. We may have become worldly thinkers.

This is not just a modern day problem. This problem existed 2000 years ago. Paul addressed this issue in his writing to the church at Rome. Paul writes, "Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind."

As citizens of this world Paul suggests our minds might need renewing. God has many ways to speak renewing words to his children. Let me share three that are a key in my walk.

• Spend time in God's word. Nothing gets me back on track like daily time in the Bible. God's speaks to me through His word.

• Prayer is a key. "Be still and know I am God" was the verse that has sustained my wife though her illness. Allow time in your prayers for God to speak to you. Prayer is a conversation with God and is intended to be two-way communication.

• Fellowship is a key for me. Spending time with God's family helps us grow and gives us the strength that comes from family membership.

Do not be conformed to this world. Be transformed by the renewing of your mind.

Dan Gottschalk is pastor at the Camden United Methodist Church.