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 NIV
Conforming is so easy to do. It requires little effort or thought. Just do what everyone around you does. And, if there is any question, just follow the advice given by advertisers, and you can’t go wrong. In following the well-traveled road, there is safety and comfort, a sense of belonging. Of being a part of the herd.
But it is not what we are called to do. Do not conform to the pattern of this world. Don’t want what the rest of the world wants: a bigger and better house or car; whiter teeth; better tasting beer; or to be lusted over by the opposite sex. While there can be a real appeal to those things, they are temporary and only lead down the path to destruction.
Be Transformed
Instead, we are called to be transformed. Extreme makeovers are popular today, whether it be a house, a business, or a wardrobe. But Paul’s call for transformation is a call to experience an extreme makeover in who you are, your desires, priorities, and commitments. Dare to break free of the herd and instead follow the Good Shepherd to a more abundant life.
The key to this process is the renewing of your mind. The way I think needs to change. Rather than being focused on the physical, but temporary, world around me, I need to set my thoughts and heart on things above, where Christ is. I need to prepare my mind for action and serve God with all my mind.
Conformity is easy, and requires little effort; which may be why we are so inclined to follow that path. Transformation is difficult and requires much effort; and a constant guard against falling back into a life of conformity. Choose to see the world through God’s eyes, and you will find yourself being changed by it.
And the best thing is that as that transformation occurs, you will discover that God’s will for you really is the best. You can try to discern it from afar. But it is only when you are immersed in it that you will discover that it is a perfect fit for you.