“Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may discern what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God.” (Romans 12:2)
But oh, but how this “age” (or “world” or “pattern/standard of this world” in other translations) we live in begs for us to conform, and how quickly and easily our minds are clouded by its alluring priorities, causes, and agendas!
Something that stood out to me in this verse that hadn’t really before: it suggests that perhaps the first step to understanding the will of God—something many, many people desire—is to check on your conformity versus transformity status. Hmmm…
P.S. See this original post for info about this photo challenge and more about this reading plan I’m using this summer for the book of Romans (and I’d love to have you join in!)!
Rejoicing Hills 
I like the way the New Living Translation says that verse…… 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.
I am human….I do PHYSICALLY look like others but it’s my actions which are to be different from the world. Where do I put my treasure, how do I interact with others at the grocery store, how do I treat the customer service person on the other end of the line, and on and on it goes.
All of this stems from where my heart and mind are focused on….if my focus isn’t on HIM, the author and perfecter of MY and YOUR faith, then my walk in this world is going to look VERY worldly.
Lord help my walk be a straight and narrow one directly toward YOU and ONLY YOU!!!
ok…one more comment about conforming and transforming….
I looked up the synonyms to the word conform. The one word that hit me was “harmonize”. Made me think of when a choir is getting ready to sing the director will sometimes have a certain note played on the piano so that he or she can be “in harmony” with the piano. I wonder how often I’m checking in to see if I’m “in harmony” with God.
Looking up transform, the synonym that was intriguing was “revamp”. In my garden I am constantly “revamping”. I rip out this plant and put it somewhere else or decide I’m tired of a certain plant and give it to a friend. But what I ALWAYS have to be doing is weeding!!! They creep in. They hide beneath the “good plants”. So I need to ask am I transforming or “revamping” my life in Christ on a daily basis. I pray I am.
Lord help me to harmonize and revamp my life to look more and more like you each and every day!!