I know this post is quite lengthy. But once I started studying this particular verse, I realized that there was so much good info to add that I just kept going. I hope that you get as much out of it as I did. And, as usual, please forgive an typos and grammatical errors. ♥
Romans 12:2 KJV, “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.”
The Merriam-Webster Dictionary has several definitions for the word “conform”. 1. to give the same shape, outline, or contour to; 2. bring into harmony or accord; 3. to be obedient or compliant; 4.to act in accordance with prevailing standards or customs. In Romans we are instructed to not conform to this world.
#1, we are not to give the appearance of the having the same shape, outline or contour of the world. A contour is a line that traces the outer edge of another object. We should be a traced image of the world and all its styles and characteristics.
#2, we should be be in harmony or accord with the world. Our lives should not be playing to the tune of the world…harmonizing with their melody. Our thoughts and attitudes should not be interwoven with theirs.
#3, we should not be obedient or compliant with the world. We should not be so ready and willing to adapt to the ways of the world. The ways of the world are not God’s ways. His ways are higher than our ways. And, we should strive to be what He wants us to be, not adapting to what the world wants us to become.
#4, We should not act in accordance with the customs and standards of this world. We should not be consistent with the practices and procedures of how the world conducts their lives. Our lives need to be consistent with the Word of God.
Next, we are to be transformed by the renewing or renovation of our mind. The word “transform” also has several definitions. 1. to change in composition or structure; 2. to change the outward form or appearance of; 3. to change in character or condition; 4. to cause (a cell) to undergo genetic transformation.
#1, we renovate our minds to the point that we change the arrangement of our thoughts. And, we change the manner in which we think. Every structure or building need some load bearing walls that are strong enough to with stand the pressure and weight put upon them. Our mind need to be the same way. We need some strong principles to be instilled into our thinking that are strong enough to withstand the things we face in our minds that have the potential to bring us down.
#2, we need to renovate our mind to the point that is changes our outward appearance. When someone looks at us, they should be able to tell who we are as a Child of God. When you see someone dress in “fatigues”, combat boots, etc, you assume that they are in the military. When people look at us, who do they see? Our outward appearance not only involves our attire, but demeanor. Our actions cans speak volumes over any words we may say. How we portray ourselves in our attitude also needs to go through a renovation sometimes.
#3, Our minds needs to renovated in character and condition. Our character distinguishes who we are as a person. It involves our reputation and our position on moral and spiritual matters. The condition of our mind can greatly impact not only our lives, but the lives around us.
#4, Our body is made up cells. Cells comes together to form tissue…tissue comes together to create organs…organs help the body function and live. Our minds need to undergo a renovation and change to the point that the thoughts we think helps us to grow spiritually and live a godly lifestyle. You see, our thoughts come together to form attitudes…our attitudes cause to act in certain ways…those actions can make a huge impact on us and those around us. When we talk about genetics, we talk about the origin of something. The origin of our thoughts need to transformed and changed. Our thoughts should reverberate His ways…not the ways of the world.
Why do need to this in our lives? Because we need to prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. The word “prove” in this verse is translated ‘to see if something is genuine or not’. It originates from the word “dokimos” that describes money that was acceptable. One commentary says this about the word” In the ancient world there was no banking system as we know it today, and no paper money. All money was made from metal, heated until liquid, poured into moulds and allowed to cool. When the coins were cooled, it was necessary to smooth off the uneven edges. The coins were comparatively soft and of course many people shaved them closely. In one century, more than eighty laws were passed in Athens, to stop the practice of shaving down the coins then in circulation. But some money changers were men of integrity, who would accept no counterfeit money. They were men of honour who put only genuine full weighted money into circulation. Such men were called "dokimos" or "approved".” So, what mold are we made from? Are molded after the world and its ways. OR, are we molded after Jesus and His ways? Our mind needs to undergo a transformation in order to be molded after Him. So that people can look at us and realize that this Jesus we serve is genuine. And that His ways or His will is good, acceptable and perfect. His will is upright, well-pleasing and complete, wanting nothing.
Lord, help me renovate my mind. Help me to restore it to a better state…help me to continually restore is to a revived state in You. Open up my eyes and help me to see the things I need to change so that people can see you in me. That others can see that you are genuine…you are the real-deal…you are the only thing that can make someone complete, wanting nothing.
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