Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind. – Romans 12:2
Some pastors have been known to say that today’s verse just means, “Don’t let the world squeeze you into its mold.” However, there is far more action for you to take than this simplistic explanation suggests.
It is plain to see how the patterns of today’s world work against the Christ-follower. Culture continually tries to shape you. These days, society wants you to be “woke” in your thinking… a practice with potentially dangerous results, particularly as concepts are being introduced into schools, from kindergartens to universities. Teachers and professors influence students into their way of thinking — what you think about your friends, how you process politics, what you watch on television, how you respond to matters of faith and life. The clear urging from the apostle Paul is to actively resist being shaped by anything other than a mindset founded on the things of Jesus Christ. It begins with changing how you think.
God wants you to be guided, not by the things of the world and its philosophies, but through the power of the Holy Spirit creating in you the mind of Christ. Philippians 2:5 states, “Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus.” In 1 Corinthians 2:16, Paul asks and answers, “For who has understood the mind of the Lord… ? But we have the mind of Christ.” So avoid just being a passenger in life, riding along on the thoughts of the world. Rather be a pilot, directing your flight toward the destination of being more like Jesus.
Intercede today for believers in Congress and government agencies, that they would stand firm in the Lord. Ask God to give them the strength to discipline their thoughts and keep their attention on Him rather than adjusting to the culture.
Today’s Verse: Romans 12:2
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.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Recommended for further reading: Romans 11:28-12:2
28 As regards the gospel, they are enemies for your sake. But as regards election, they are beloved for the sake of their forefathers. 29 For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable. 30 For just as you were at one time disobedient to God but now have received mercy because of their disobedience, 31 so they too have now been disobedient in order that by the mercy shown to you they also may now receive mercy. 32 For God has consigned all to disobedience, that he may have mercy on all.
33 Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways!
34 “For who has known the mind of the Lord,
or who has been his counselor?”
35 “Or who has given a gift to him
that he might be repaid?”
36 For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen.
12 I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. 2 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.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
