“And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” (Romans 12:2 NKJV)
“…do not be conformed to this world…”
Conformed means to
model or pattern yourself after someone or something, to take the
shape/appearance of something, like gelatin in a mold.
We are not
to be conformed to this world. We are not to model ourselves after the world nor carried about by their always changing standards. When we see phrases like “this world” (Romans 12:2, Ephesians 2:2, “this present world,” 2 Timothy 4:10),
“the
world” (also “darkness,” John 3:16-21)“this age” (2 Corinthians 4:3-4), and “those on the outside” (Colossians 4:8-9) Jesus and the inspired
writers are referring to those who are under the sway of the wicked one (1 John 5:19), who listen to the lies and
deception of the devil and do what he desires (John 8:44); who follow after self and sin. The world are those who
push situation ethics rather than integrity, those who encourage you to do
whatever it is that will make you happy as long as it does not make them feel judged
or crosses any of the ever changing lines society is told to draw by the
‘squeakiest wheel’ of the day/week/month (read
and consider John 15:18-19, and 17:14).
“…whose mind the god of this age has blinded, who do not believe, lest the light of the gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine on them.” (2 Corinthians 4:4 NKJV)
We are not
to speak like the world (Ephesians
4:29-5-7). We are not to dress like the world (1 Timothy 2:9-10, 1 Peter 3:1-4). We are not to conduct ourselves
like the world (1 Peter 1:15-16, 2:12,
3:15-17, Titus 2:1-10, 3:8, 14). We are not to be conformed to this world,
because we are no longer of this world (read
and consider Romans 6), we are now in Christ (John 17:14-17, Ephesians 4:17-24).
“…but be transformed…”
Transformed means to
change for the better. It is not just an outward change, but the change of
our very mindset so that we allow our innermost man to be improved, built up,
and refined as we follow a different and better way (John 14:6, 1 John 2:3-6). Consider that our hope as God’s children
is to see Him as He is – for we will be like Him – and so we purify ourselves
just as He is pure (1 John 3:1-3);
through trusting obedience we allow God’s instructions and commands to
transform us toward holiness and purity. We can be transformed from a lump of
clay to “a vessel for honour, sanctified and useful for the Master, prepared
for every good work.” (2 Timothy
2:19-26, Isaiah 64:8).
“But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord.” (2 Corinthians 3:18 NKJV)
“…by the renewing of your mind…”
Renewing means being
improved, renovated to a new and better condition. Specifically, it means
that you remove the old ways of thinking, no longer resting on what you think
you know, instead, you read God’s word with fresh eyes, with a heart that is
ready to hear and obey (like young Samuel
in 1 Samuel 3:9, “Speak, Lord, for Your
servant hears”).
Your mind is your
ability to reason. It is your capacity to understand God’s truth and
recognize what is good and what is evil (Hebrews
5:12-14).
When we
reason out all that God has done for us, all that He continues to do for us,
and all He promises yet to do; when we begin to comprehend His immense love for
us, the significance of Jesus’ sacrifice, and His perfect, consistent, unchanged
will and way, we will conclude that what He asks of us – deny self, take up your
cross, and follow Me (Matthew 16:24) –
is the most rational and reasonable thing to do! Our minds, renewed in/by God’s
word, will govern our words and conduct, and our progress will be evident to
all (1 Timothy 4:12-13, 15-16)!
“…so that you may prove…”
Prove means
to test something to determine if it works
as it should. In this instance, we take God at His word, follow His
commands, and prove to ourselves that He is
good, wise, and true!
In allowing
God and His word to renew our mind and transform us, we will prove to both
ourselves and others around us that God is real and worthy of our complete submission
and faithful obedience.
Specifically,
you will prove “…what is that good and acceptable
and perfect will of God.”
Good being good in its very nature and beneficial in
its effect. It pertains to what is upright, honourable, and right in God’s
sight.
Acceptable is that
which is well-pleasing in the sight of God, wholly aligned (with His will).
Perfect means having
reached its end or purpose; it is complete and lacks nothing.
Will of God means God’s
plans and purposes; what He wishes us to do.
All has
been made known to us. God’s will is complete and lacks nothing. Everyone who hears
and obey God’s will – allows it to renew their mind and transform them – can be
complete and thoroughly equipped for every good work (2 Timothy 3:16-17)!
When we remove
worldly influences and allow our minds to be renewed and ourselves to be transformed
by God’s word and will, we will prove that God’s will is good and beneficial,
that His will is excellent and doable,
and all that He has given us, and all that He has commanded of us is perfect
and complete; we have no need to wonder if what we are doing is right, because
His word tells us - we can be sure and
certain of it – it does not change!
Are you ready to assess in your heart to find just
how much you have allowed the world to conform you to their ways and notions?
Are you ready to remove yourself from their mold and renew your mind with God’s
word, so that you can be transformed for the better? Take God at His word, prove Him to
be true and wise through humble obedience. I’ve proven it to myself, and I will
spend the rest of my days encouraging others to do the same! Renew your mind,
be transformed, and prove to yourself – and to others - that God’s will is good and acceptable and perfect!
You can do it! So can I!
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