”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.
Romans 12:2New International Version (NIV)
Romans 12:2 Devotional (Daily Bible Verse)
Be Transformed
In Romans 12:2, the apostle Paul commands you and me to “Be transformed by the renewal of our mind“. This is, therefore, a command to follow the teachings of Jesus Christ.
Consequently, the apostle Paul teaches us to not be influenced by the world (modernity – James 4:4 and 1 John 2:15-16). Instead, he teaches that we should work towards countering the world by reprogramming our thoughts (Proverbs 23:7). This is premised on the fact that conformity is the way to destruction. And your mind has a spirit or mindset (Ephesians 4:23).
And Paul teaches this in light of Romans 12:1-2 which deals with our relationship with God and how we should act in light of what he has done for us as highlighted in Romans 3:20, 5:1, and 8:1. So when Paul tells us to offer our bodies as a living sacrifice, he reasons and argues that it’s the only reasonable thing to do because of what God has done for us. That is, we sacrifice ourselves in response to all that God has done for us.
Therefore, every thought of yours has to be subjected to Christ’s teachings. For this is the way to live out (Romans 12:2) your commitment to God (Romans 12:1).
Remember, the world feeds you with information that distorts God’s truth and holy values (Philippians 4:8). But God’s word will enable you to discern (find out) God’s will. You will grow and become a genuine Christian. And you will experience this because God will transform you from the inside. This is what knowing and approving God’s will for your life actually entails.
All in all, the transformation that comes from God’s word will lead to prosperity. But the conformity that comes with the world’s patterns will lead to downfall.
Prayer/Blessing
May you find it in yourself to submit your body, and in particular your mind to Christ’s teachings, so that you may be transformed into an authentic Christian. Amen.
Daily Bible Reading
Lamentations 1-2 (see How to Read the Bible in One Year or How to Read the Bible (for Beginners))
