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 prove what God’s will is, His good, pleasing and perfect will (Romans 12:2).
To not conform means to not fashion yourself as the world does, but rather to be transformed. The world system is the popular culture and its total rebellion against God and the things of God. The world wants us to conform to its ungodly patterns, but Paul warns us about conforming; instead, we are to be transformed. The word transformed is the Greek word (Metamorphoo) meaning: to change into another form, to transform, or to transfigure. Jesus — the complete example of such transformation when He was transfigured before Peter, James, and John His disciples. They got to witness such glorious, magnificent, elevation of Jesus transforming from the physical into the spiritual (Mark 9:2-3).
Just let me paint a more visible picture in your minds, we will take a butterfly. A butterfly goes through a process called metamorphosis (same as the Greek word) in which its appearance is changed from a caterpillar {a crawling creature} to a beautiful butterfly {a flying creature}. A caterpillar can look scary and gross, and I don’t think many people like a caterpillar — I could be wrong. The caterpillar signifies the world and what the world expects you to do. The butterfly, on the other hand, is very pretty — everyone likes butterflies because of their colors and how they glide in the wind effortlessly. When people see a butterfly, they might wonder how something so beautiful could come from something not so pretty. If you take the process of a butterfly that started as a caterpillar; we can liken it to what Paul talks about in being not conformed but rather transformed. When you are conformed you adopt the ways and lifestyle of someone and something. In this case the world. When we are transformed we become changed, taking on a total form and mind. When we are transformed in the spirit of God, He elevates us to new heights. Transforming renews our minds; therefore, we don’t think like the world or do the things the world does.
How do we renew our minds?
To be renewed in the mind, you have to be renewed in the spirit. We cannot renew our minds on our own; we need constant submission to the will of God. To do that, one has to have a relationship with God through studying His Word and spending time with Him through prayer and fasting. Renewing our minds has to be a part of our daily lives. If we do not renew our minds in the spirit daily, we can allow the devil to burden us with things that are not beneficial to our growth; instead, we will become spiritually dry. Isaiah 26:3 says the Lord will keep those in perfect peace whose minds are stayed upon Him.
Do not let the things going on around you distract you and take your focus off God. The devil will use all kinds of distractions to keep your thoughts away from your Heavenly Father, so don’t allow him to use any loophole to get in. Pray without ceasing, seek God even more. There is no question that we have a greater number of distractions in the world today than there ever was. Once we are in the constant renewal of our minds in the spirit, then we will know, prove, and test His perfect will for our lives. God wants to live out His will in our lives by spending time with Him. His perfect will can only be found through Him and in Him—no one else. Through our lives, others can see the goodness of God shined through and glorify our Father in heaven.
Father God in heaven, help me not to conform to the world’s standards and system because through your Son Jesus Christ I am given the chance to change, be new, and be accepted by you. May my life be a constant transformation and reflection of you in everything I say and do in Jesus’ name.
Amen!
