Let’s be honest, it’s both tempting and attractively alluring to get sucked into getting all the ‘good [temporal] things’ this world has to offer. Who doesn’t want to live their best life? Romans 12:2 of the NLT rightly divides the word of truth. Paul said, “Don’t copy the behavior [conform] 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.”
The word “conform” comes from the Greek suschématizó, which means to fashion, pattern, or style after. Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines it as “to be similar or identical, to be in agreement or harmony with,” and to “act in accordance with.”
Most of us recognize the world is temporal, and those who chase after its finite pleasures and treasures can easily fall prey to its illusion and turn from what really matters: God and His holy kingdom.
In part two of this passage of text Paul said, “let God transform you into a new person.” The word transformed comes from the Greek metamorphóō, from the root words meta and morpho. Just like the scientific process of metamorphosis, metamorphóō means to change form, to become something new. Thankfully, our transformation isn’t dependent on science, rather it’s dependent on our choice to daily pick up our cross and follow Jesus.
Paul confirms this truth in 2 Corinthians 5:17, ““Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!”
Beloved of God, don’t get sucked in by the temporal bling this perishing world offers. The world desire for us to play the game of life, where we accumulate as many riches as we can and enjoy as many pleasures of the body and mind as we can. However, God’s Kingdom is calling us to put God first, to put others before ourselves, and to walk in honor, respect, and obedience to Him and His ways.
Do not conform; let God transform you!
4GIVEN 