Read: Romans 12
Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind. (v. 2)
At any given time, somewhere in the world, there is a battle taking place. There may be two or more countries at war or there may be a civil war occurring within one country. Those battles are obvious to all who witness them. However, every day, every person also faces invisible spiritual battles, between pleasing the desires of the flesh and following the leading of the Holy Spirit. The apostle Paul details this battle between flesh and spirit in Romans 8. Every day, we will be tempted to conform to the ways of this world and the things that bring us pleasure. In Romans 12:2, we are instructed not to be conformed to this world, but to be transformed by the renewing of our mind.
In his commentary on Romans titled Be Right, author and pastor Warren Wiersbe explains it this way: “The world wants to change your mind, so it exerts pressure from without. But the Holy Spirit changes your mind by releasing power from within. If the world controls your thinking, you are a conformer; if God controls your thinking, you are a transformer. God transforms our minds and makes us spiritually minded by using his Word.”
In what ways are you currently conforming and in what ways are you being transformed? Remember, according to Romans 12:2, that when we are transformed by the renewing of our mind, God’s Word and Spirit will help us discern his will and live for him.
As you pray, ask God to transform your mind and resist temptation to conform to this world.
Justin Kuiper is a student from Holland, MI, studying English literature at Hope College. His own writing explores the many intersections of faith, storytelling, and the created order. Justin is a life-long soccer fan and plays on the Hope College soccer team.
Steve Petroelje is a specialized transition pastor who serves vacant churches and helps them assess health, pursue missional effectiveness, and conduct a pastoral search process. He is the past-president of the Words of Hope Board of Directors.
