Romans 12:2

NASB	NLT	VOICE
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.	2 Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.	2 Do not allow this world to mold you in its own image. Instead, be transformed from the inside out by renewing your mind. As  a result, you will be able to discern what God wills and whatever God finds good, pleasing, and complete.

Transform into Christ Without Pressure

In the biblical context, “this world” refers to our current time, focusing on the values and practices that are contrary to God’s will. The early Christians in Rome faced pressure to conform to Roman societal norms. The idea is that Christians should resist the moral and ethical standards that are not aligned with God’s kingdom. We are called to transform our minds through continuous spiritual growth and understanding. We should immerse ourselves in Scripture, prayer, and guidance from the Holy Spirit. Understanding God’s will for us requires spiritual maturity and insight, found through dedicating one’s life to following Christ. 

Divisions Can Unite Us

True transformation begins with a chance in our thinking. There are many topics happening in the church today that are both dividing and uniting the church, such as LGBTQ inclusions, abortions, politics, masking during COVID, vaccines, racism, scriptural interpretations, worship styles and more. I’ve witnessed this first-hand. A lot of the struggle that I’ve seen come through this is putting your belief structure out there for others. People who grew up with one structure, but struggle to believe that what they were taught could be wrong. They are not open to change or even hearing other views. When we can sit together, discuss different perspectives of Scripture, work towards the greatest understanding of Scripture, and discuss how we can apply the teachings of Scripture into our everyday life. We can get stuck in the semantics of the Scripture and not focus on what God’s will is and how it’s based on his agape love for all of us. Even the Mosaic laws were based on honoring God with all parts of our lives and loving each other as He loved us. Allow Scripture to transform you into the person He created you to be, and reflect that transformation to all people you meet.

Discussion Questions:

1. Have you faced any pressures recently to conform to the ways of the world?
2. What issues have you experienced in the church? 
3. How have those issues transformed your mind to be more Christ-like?

Call to Action

Read Ephesians 4:23-24. Thank God for the ability to be renewed and reborn in Christ. Ask God how you can be more like Him in holiness and righteousness. Pray for different ways to come in front of you and be willing to embrace God’s way. 

Check out the next slice of manna: Manna for the Mind #286