Holy Bible Online 
Sometimes it is the easiest thing to just go with the flow, nobody likes to stick out from the crowd and be different from those around them. The dilemma we face today is no different from the situation faced by the Christian community in Rome when Paul wrote this letter. They faced all sorts of pressures and challenges that come with living in a society that has a wide range of cultural, philosophical, and religious beliefs. Paul's message was clear: Do not conform.
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 12:2 (NIV)
Do not Conform
As a new creation, we must not mold ourselves to the patterns of our times. We have been elevated beyond these things. As it says in Colossians 3, we should set our minds on things above and have heavenly aspirations. Of course, this is particularly difficult when the values of the world are in complete contrast to the values of The Kingdom. Many Christians around the world face ridicule and persecution for holding onto their faith. But it should come as no surprise to us that when we become more Christ-like, we are persecuted more, harassed, and ridiculed more. This is the fate Jesus accepted on the cross. You cannot become more Christ-like while conforming to the pattern of the world.
Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.
Colossians 3:1-2
When we are determined to do God's will, the world can no longer influence us. This is a challenge to our self-control and spiritual maturity. We Christians are the salt of the earth and we must season the world, we are a bold flavor that stands out!
Be Transformed
Blessed is the one
who does not walk in step with the wicked
or stand in the way that sinners take
or sit in the company of mockers,
2 but whose delight is in the law of the Lord,
and who meditates on his law day and night.
3 That person is like a tree planted by streams of water,
which yields its fruit in season
and whose leaf does not wither -
whatever they do prospers.
Psalm 1:1-3
We must renew our minds and seek first the Kingdom of God. If we do this we will be transformed, Psalm 1 says that when we no longer walk in step with the wicked we will be like a tree planted in a stream of water, and whatever we do will prosper. The question is, how do we renew our minds? There are a few things we can do to help us:
- Delight in God's Word: Read and study the Bible. The Word of God has the power to renew our minds. Meditate on Scripture, reflect on its meaning, and apply it to your life.
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Pray: Speak with God, share your thoughts, and concerns, and seek His guidance. If you do this you will be like a tree planted by streams of water. Ask him to transform you. God is listening, he cares for you, and he wants to transform you and renew your mind.
- Community and Accountability: Surround yourself with a supportive Christian community, don't sit in the company of mockers! Engage in fellowship with believers who share similar values, be accountable to your Christian friends who can encourage you in your spiritual journey, and help others in your community to be transformed.
Test and Approve what God’s Will is
After working through something complicated, It feels great to have a better understanding and a sense of clarity. Clarity is wonderful, it is like a light that helps you see. As we become more Christ-like we receive clarity: a better understanding of God's will.
Your word is a lamp for my feet,
a light on my path.
Psalm 119:105
Our calling to 'not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind' is deeply powerful and life-changing. It is an ongoing process of transformation as we align our thoughts and actions with the principles found in God's Word. It's about being tested, not out of fear, but with the confidence that we will receive the discernment to know God's will.
Imagine the process of being tested by God as being like the refining of gold or silver: the impurities are removed through heat and scrutiny. Afterwards, we can see the precious substance within. Similarly, our journey of faith is a refining fire, purifying our hearts and minds. God Prepares us to discern his path, he helps us navigate the challenges of standing out and refusing to go with the flow.
Our transformation through refining gives us insight into what pleases God and what aligns with His good, pleasing, and perfect will.
"For you, God tested us; you refined us like silver."
Proverbs 17:3
Also, check out:
The Woman With The Issue of Blood (Passage and Meaning).