Romans 12:2 – Do not conform any longer to the patterns 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.
Just as oil and water can never ever mix, so also the patterns of this world and the standards of God can never go together!
Paul clearly states, now that you have chosen Christ, having offered yourselves as a living sacrifice, (v1) do not conform any longer to the patterns of the world. Make the break, make it a clean cut. No more dilly dallying but firmly move away and stay away. You cannot offer yourselves as a sacrifice to the Lord and also have a part in the world and its ways! So then what should you do?
Be transformed!
The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines ‘transform’ as, to change in composition or structure. Paul essentially is saying, if you have chosen Christ then there has to be a distinct, very obvious, change in you. Change in your thinking, your choices, change in the way you do things, the way you utilize your time, your resources, basically in every single area. And this change can only come by the renewing of your mind, for transformation begins with the mind.
A mind is renewed in the Lord when, that mind is stayed on the Lord, seeks Him daily in His Word and strives to faithfully obey Him as an expression of love to Him. A mind that is thus renewed in the Lord will then be equipped to test, approve and clearly know God’s will.
What are areas in your life where you still need transformation, areas that are still conformed to the patterns of this world? Are there times when you have wondered what God’s will for your life, or some particular situation is? A good way to figure out would be to dig into His Word and pause to listen to His heart!
Have you spent time with Him today, talking to Him and listening from His Word?
Dear Lord, renew my mind and so transform me that I may live Your good, pleasing and perfect will each day, I pray.