One of the most well-known verses from the book of Romans is chapter 12, verse 2: “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.”

After teaching about God’s plan of salvation for eleven chapters, Paul turns to how we should live as his people. We shouldn’t “conform to the pattern of this world…” 

But what does that mean? 

The first detail we should notice is that it includes being transformed “by the renewing of your mind.” Clearly, we will start to think differently. When God renews us we “will be able to test and approve what God’s will is…”

Another helpful detail to understand is what Paul means by “the pattern of this world.” If we should avoid conforming to that pattern, we should try to understand what he’s talking about.

Being conformed to the pattern of this world (or, literally, “conformed to this age”), means being shaped by and conformed to whatever is not from God. It is to be shaped by the morality of dominant culture without reference to the Lord.

David Williams has an honest word: “There is always the pressure to conform — the downward pull of society.”* Very true—both then and now.

Brothers and sisters, be alert. We are continually being shaped. The question is, by what? 

I’m concerned that so many kids are more shaped by Disney and YouTube than by Jesus, and that so many adults—even those claiming to be Christians—are more shaped by popular opinion and a confused entertainment industry than by our holy and gracious Lord.

Be discerning. If you aren’t proactively conforming to Christ you are being conformed to the world. There is no neutral ground.

“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.”

---

Notes:

– “Spiritual Gifts 102: How do I know what gift(s) I have?” Sermon. January 21, 2024. Click here.

–*J. David Williams, 1 & 2 Thessalonians: Understanding the Bible Commentary Series (Baker Books, 2011), 69.

–Bible quotes are from the NIV.