Thoughts on Romans 12; Do Not be Conformed to this World

"Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect." ~Romans 12:2

The latest KBR magazine was devoted to this verse, and there were lots of great articles, as always. If you haven't checked them out, I think they are a great resource for encouragement :). I received that magazine just as I started this series, and it was a fun little tie-in :). As another random side note, I will admit that I came *thisclose* to not making a graphic for this post. I thought of unashamedly saying that I was giving an example by not conforming to popular blogging guidelines. But I couldn't talk myself out of believing that I was actually just being lazy. Hmmm, I wonder why that was?... but, back to the "real" post (which I am having such a hard time focusing on, sheesh...).

There are so many ways that, as people, we will look exactly like those around us. We all go about our life, have our friends, enjoy our meals, and pursue our hobbies. We live in this world, but we are not to be of this world. We live in the flesh, but are not to live by the flesh.

In 1 John 5 we find the promise, "For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world", "For the wisdom of this world is folly with God", says 1 Corinthians 3:19.

The wisdom of "the world" cannot understand children being a blessing, education being used for the glory of God, marriage being precious and sacred as a picture of Christ, God's will being of more importance than a "good opportunity". Yes, we as believers have to participate in many of the things that we find in the world- but we have a bigger purpose in our hearts. We aren't just trying to make it through life with as many advantages as we can. Our vision spans longer than we will be a part of the carrying out. When Christ redeems us with His blood, He fills our hearts with His desires as we search His word. Slowly, but surely, He brings us to the knowledge that certain things that the world deems necessary, are temporary, shallow, and dangerous, while the things of His kingdom are eternal, full of meaning, and life giving, and worth whatever the earthly cost.

This verse is the encasing of the rest of this chapter. It is by the transforming of the mind and the knowledge of the bible that we have the appropriate means to test every act and see if it lines up as "good and acceptable and perfect". Every other command in this chapter is simply giving us a glimpse into what a transformed mind looks like, when it comes out as a transformed life. And the purpose of that transformed life? To point others to Christ. To be a light in darkness, and to honor, thank, and glorify God.