A Life Presented to God - Part 2

“And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.”
Romans 12:2, NASB

In the beginning of Romans 12 these two verses call us to live a life that is diametrically opposed to this world. That is a life that grasps the mercy of God and lives thus so. What does a life that is opposed to this world and grasps the mercy of God look like? It is a life that is living unconformed to this day and age, but continually being transformed.

§ NLT, “Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world”
§ NIV, “Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world”
§ AMP, “Do not be conformed to this world (this age), [fashioned after and adapted to its external, superficial customs]”
§ NASB, “And do not be conformed to this world”
§ The Message, “Don’t become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking.”

To be conformed is to “comply with rules or standards; be similar in form or type” (OED 183). If our life complies with the standards of this world and we look (or live) similarly to the worldly way of life then it’s time to stop and reflect on our personal life asking the Lord, “What needs to change?” Because if we could transplant our life in the world’s system and it doesn’t look any different than the next worldly person, then we’re in trouble! We’re called to be salt, light, and to abide in Christ’s teaching, if we look just like the world then we’re not living (doing) something right.

Look at the translation of the verses:

§ Don’t copy the customs and behavior of this world
§ Don’t conform [comply with, be similar to] to the pattern of the world
§ Don’t fashion your life after or adapt its external and superficial ways
§ Don’t be so well-adjusted to the culture that there’s a seamless fit.

It’s very clear that we are to live diametrically, completely opposite, to this world. It’s vital that we remember who has authority over the earth, the prince of darkness. If we align ourselves and life with the world’s culture, we are also aligning ourselves up with the culture and kingdom of Satan—the exact opposite of what we say we desire as Christ followers!

It’s a time for reflection for all of us. There’s not a person alive on this earth that is living completely by God’s kingdom principles where every aspect of their life is opposed to the world, so humbly yourself to God with me as we reflect and ask the Lord, “What in my life complies with the world?” Wait on Him and listen to what he says, then repent.