Thought for Today: “Conformed or Transformed?”

“And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” (Romans 12:2)

To conform is to change in response to outside pressures, like when the forces of nature and weather reshape Earth’s landscape. Satan uses this kind of pressure to change us. We see this in the media’s impact, as it influences people to put self before God and to promote self-interest over God’s.

Instead, the Apostle Paul tells us to be transformed, which is change that happens from the inside out. It’s change that happens through the Holy Spirit dwelling within us (1 Corinthians 6:19).

Paul says this change happens through renewing our minds.

Here are three ways to renew our minds.

(1) “Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.” (Colossians 3:2)

(2) “Casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ.” (2 Corinthians 10:5)

(3) “Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy–meditate on these things.” (Philippians 4:8)