Romans 12:2 Transform, Not Conform

Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is–his good, pleasing and perfect will. Romans 12:2

One of the most common thoughts that the media wants people to believe is for people to conform. The world wants everyone to be alike, so that no one is left out. The world also wants everyone to accept everyone just as they are and never to expect change.

The mindset of the world is that with unity there will be peace. Everyone can live as each one desires.

After showing how God grafted any who believe into His family, Paul points out what to do with that information. He says to not conform to the ways of this world, but be transformed in the mind to know God’s will.

Every believer was in the world at one point in his life. He lived and thought as the world did, living in and promoting sin. At some point every believer has chosen to become a believer in Jesus and accept what He did for him.

It is at this point that the believer must begin to change his ways and thoughts. Many in the church have not taken this step and have stayed in the world, while claiming to believe in Jesus. They continue to purposefully live in sinful ways, refusing to change.

These actions are due to their refuse to transform their thinking to the ways of God. They want to hold on to the past sin, rather than give it up.

Every believer needs to allow God to transform his mind, changing his ways and thinking. Doing this gives the believer strength to live for God and to turn away from sin. It breaks the desire to sin.

Each and every day you have choices to make as to whether you will live for God or live for this world. If you allow the world to influence you and control your thinking, you will live for the world, rejecting what Jesus has done for you.

Choose to live for God. Fill your mind with God’s word and His ways of thinking, acting and speaking. Allow God to transform you into a new creation, giving up the past sins and sinful ways of thinking and acting. Do what God has called you to do and be.

Today I pray that you will know Jesus as your Lord and Savior; that you will allow God to change your mind; that you will turn from the world towards God; that you will know God’s will for your life; and that you will live your life for God.