“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, which is good and acceptable and perfect.”
Romans 12:2 (ESV)
What is Paul saying here? Let’s take it line by line.
DO NOT BE CONFORMED TO THIS WORLD
What does it mean to conform? We often think that conforming to something means that we comply with a regulation or go along with what is socially acceptable. But, in this context, it means so much more! Conform means “to fashion one’s self (mind and character) to another’s pattern.” Paul is telling the Romans, “don’t pattern your thinking or character after this world!”
I believe this would be his message to us today. Who influences your thinking? What are you putting into your mind? What is feeding your thoughts? What is being traced onto the fabric of your life? Whatever it is, it WILL begin to conform you. If you are taking your cues from politics, Hollywood, blogs, posts, videos, friends, etc… you will begin to pattern that same thinking and your actions (and eventually your character) will follow.
BUT BE TRANSFORMED
This word, transformed, is the Greek word, metamorphoo. From it, we get the English word, metamorphosis. Metamorphosis is a transformation of one thing into a completely different other thing. We all remember in grade school learning about metamorphosis as it relates to caterpillars becoming butterflies. This word is only found in the scriptures in two other places. One is in Matthew 17 at the transfiguration of Jesus. The other is in 2 Corinthians 3:18 where Paul explains that as we behold the glory of God without the veil (flesh) in front of our faces, we will see the glory of God, as in a mirror, as we are transfigured into the very same image!
How is this accomplished? The answer is in the very next part of this verse.
BY THE RENEWAL OF YOUR MIND
Paul says that we can be transformed (changed from one thing into a completely different other thing) by the renewal of our minds. This renewal is an actual adjustment of our natural moral and spiritual vision to the mind of God. This transformation is designed to have a dramatic affect on our lives.
Notice that Paul does not say that we are transformed by renewing our minds. WE do not do the work! Our minds are BEING renewed. By whom? The Holy Spirit, as we yield ourselves to Him.
THAT BY TESTING YOU MAY DISCERN WHAT IS THE WILL OF GOD WHICH IS GOOD AND ACCEPTABLE AND PERFECT
Discern-not merely speculate, but know. The idea is that a renewed mind is necessary to understanding the good, acceptable and perfect will of God. We cannot understand His commandments if we don’t come with a renewed mind and a disposition to obey.
IN A NUTSHELL
We cannot fashion ourselves after the pattern of the world. We must experience a metamorphosis (a dramatic change in appearance and character) by allowing the renewal of our minds THROUGH the power of the Holy Spirit. This work of the Holy Spirit adjusts our moral and spiritual vision, transforms our lives, and allows us to discern the will of God.
Kristine Morgan,
Christ Fellowship