Romans 12:2 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.
It is so easy to get caught up in life, in the things going on around us and the struggles we face. It is natural for us to slip back into old habits or to try to fit in with those around us. It’s part of our need for community, for fellowship, whether we realize we are doing it or not. But we are cautioned to remember not to conform to the world. We need to stay alert and pay attention to what we are doing and who we are doing it for, or why. We need to resist the influence of worldly values, focusing instead on godly values and behaviors, seeking His will.
Paul tells us to be transformed by the renewing of our mind. We have been freed from the worldly things that once held us captive and now we need to remember we have an active role to play as we are transformed and made new. We don’t blindly accept things. We actively seek Him and we align our thoughts with His, constantly renewing our thinking and growing stronger in our faith. As we do this, we replace worldly thinking with God’s truth. And with this renewed, reformed thinking we begin making choices that are aligned with Him and His will. He shapes our thinking and transforms us while doing so.
Our newly transformed minds allow us to see what we should be doing. We are able to discern His will and take action to be obedient to His call. We make choices that please Him, choices that reshape us and help us to grow, choices that line up with His purpose. We are able to be imitators of God because our eyes are opened to His nature, who He is, and His ultimate love. And we are able to pour out that love on others.
And through it all we are blessed. We are filled with His peace and joy, freed from bonds that held us captive, walking in His ways and His truth. We are better equipped to not only see His will for our lives and understand it, but we are able to follow it wholeheartedly, serving Him and furthering His kingdom.
Whatever is dragging you down, whatever may be holding you back, whatever you are struggling to conform with, let it go and seek His face. Seek His will instead and live free in the transformative power of the One who loved you enough to send His Son to die in our place. And remember that transformation is an ongoing process, and sometimes that process hurts. But it is worth it to endure. Have faith, friend. He is working in your life.
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