In verse 2 of chapter 12 of Romans we receive some commands from Paul. First he says that we are not to be conformed to this world. Conformed means to take on the same pattern. If you were to patch a piece of clothing you would want the pattern to match up so that the patch disappears. To use a patch that does not match the pattern would be for it stand out glaringly. We are not to blend in with the world. We should not be able to just fit into the patterns of this world. I am afraid that we do this to easily. But Paul doesn’t stop with just telling us what not to do. He tells us how to not be conformed.
Paul says for us to be transformed by the renewing of our mind. We once were the same pattern as the world and maybe we haven’t changed much. We think the way everyone else does and we act out of that. But we can be transformed into something else. The word here has a root that means to metamorphose which is involving a conspicuous and relatively abrupt change in the animal's body structure which is usually accompanied by a change of habit or behavior. As our mind is renewed through spending time in prayer and searching out the word of God we are transformed. And it should result in a change of behavior. Our pattern, what we look like and where we fit in should change. If it hasn’t then you need to take some time to examine where you stand with God.
The reason you need to be transformed is so that you may prove what the will of God is. As your mind is renewed you are better able to determine God’s will in all areas of your life. The word prove means to test or examine. As decisions and choices come before you and you decide what to do and where to go you are able to determine what God wants to do in this situation and how God wants you to respond. And His will is good, it is acceptable or well-pleasing and it is perfect. We stand on this, that God’s will for our lives is good.
Do not be conformed to this world, but let your mind be transformed so that you can do the will of God.
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