I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.
And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
Romans 12:1-2
Can you hear the urgency coming from the quill of Paul as he writes to the saints in Rome that we should put forth a reasonable effort or service unto God, presenting ourselves a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God?
I find the terminology Paul uses fascinating: “Be not conformed…but be transformed.” Take a moment to look at the action he is describing. The scripture takes you through a “transformation,” not a “transition,” but a change by the renewing of your mind, a new awareness, thought process, or conscience.
John 8:32 says, “Know the truth, and the truth will make you free.” Washing your mind through the Word brings one to a spiritual transformation that makes you free. In other words, no matter where you live or work, or what your circumstances are, freedom is yours to live in, because you are not defined by those around you.
The world wants to conform you to its mold. To be on the in, the know, to have worldly advantage, we must conform to their values, opinions, identities, and characteristics. It really is true that misery loves company. Take a moment and look at the world. They don’t want to pray, so they don’t want you praying. They don’t want the Word of God, so they don’t want you reading the Word of God. On and on the list of conformance goes. All the while, Jesus is saying, “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest,” transformation, freedom.
Our prayer for you this week: May you have the power to be a non-conformer, but be transformed with a renewed sense of living.
