Romans 12:2 KJV
2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
Romans 12:2 Amplified Bible
2 And do not be conformed to this world [any longer with its superficial values and customs], but be [c]transformed and progressively changed [as you mature spiritually] by the renewing of your mind [focusing on godly values and ethical attitudes], so that you may prove [for yourselves] what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect [in His plan and purpose for you].
For some time, God has been leading me to this verse again.
I’ve taught lessons on Romans 12:2 several times, but He keeps placing the verse on my heart.
The words “Be NOT CONFORMED to this world, but be TRANSFORMED by the renewing of your mind” are very clear and simple to understand.
These words are the essence of being a follower of Jesus and a child of God.
As a child of God, we are to be set-apart from the world. Oil and water do not mix. Neither does sin or the appearance of sin and being Christ-like.
Satan and his minions will try their best to deceive us and turn us away from God. Satan is the very best at “misinformation” and “disinformation.” Think about how he deceived Eve. He even tried to influence our Lord, but to no avail.
God’s word tells us that the prince of this world is Satan, with his goals being to keep everyone from reconciliation with God and to pull those who have accepted Christ, away from Him.
Satan works his evil ways in many forms, including modern day media. From fashion, to radio, to TV, to movies, “we” are accepting more and more of what used to be considered unacceptable. And yes, these daily doses of “drip, drip, drip” from our media sources can slowly affect our relationship with God.
Have we become like the proverbial frog in the pot of water, being heated so slowly that the frog doesn’t even realize it is being boiled alive?
Let the words of God sink in! Meditate on them.
“Be NOT CONFORMED to this world, but be TRANSFORMED by the renewing of your mind”
We Must Not Compromise
Compromise is great when it comes to our government and our political environment. Often times, meeting in the middle can solve problems, and without compromise we would not have our Constitution.
But, when it comes to sin and God’s Word, there can be no compromise. Unfortunately, many find themselves able to try and compromise the uncompromisable. This then leads to justification and rationalization.
But it doesn’t work with God.
Here are just a few questions to think about.
How do I react when those around me are telling filthy jokes? Do I laugh?
How do I react when others use foul language? Do I laugh and go along?
How do I dress? Do I dress like a Christian or like the “world?”
What do I fill up my leisure time with? R-Rated movies? Sexual romantic novels?
Do I affiliate with or accept “leaders” who show themselves to be un-Godly?
Do others see a conformist in me, seeing a compromise with the ways of the world?
Am I like the frog in the pot of water?
There are many more questions that we can come up, and if we want to do a complete appraisal of our spiritual lives, we should.
We Must Not Conform, But Be Transformed by The Renewing of Our Minds
I have had many interactions with those of the Mennonite and Amish faith over the years. I have grown to respect them for their beliefs and their lifestyle. They present themselves to the world around them as non-conformists to the norms, in their dress, actions, deeds and words. They are “set-apart” in these characteristics. They do not “conform” to the world.
Now, I’m not saying we must convert to their faiths. Not at all. But, as the light of the world and salt of the earth that Jesus calls us to be, we too must be set apart from all things un-Godly. Just as the apostle Paul, we should strive for holiness and Christlikeness in our walk with God. That is what He expects.
Paul teaches us that we should NOT be conformed to the world, meaning the world of sin and darkness.
It is a world dominated by principalities, powers, rulers of darkness and spiritual wickedness in high places.
Rather, we are to be transformed into what God wants us to be, seeking daily to be holy, righteous and Christ-like in all of our words, deeds and actions. Dedicating our lives to live according to His will and not the world’s.
We do this by renewing our minds daily, which includes focusing on God daily, lifting His name in praise, glory and honor daily, praying daily, growing spiritually daily and taking on the whole armor of God daily, against the darkness of the world.
Our prayer is to be seen at all times as the transformed person whose life displays Christlikeness in all of our words, deeds and actions.
Ephesians 6:11-13 KJV
11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
RVH