Romans 12:2 “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.”

Paul sets forth, not a suggestion, but rather a command; “And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed.” While it would be easy to dismiss or sugar-coat God’s clear command; God is saying that the child of God is not to allow themselves to be pressed into the world’s mold so that the believer sets forth a distinct appearance that bears no resemblance to the world that we are in but not of! This includes our speech, our apparel, our activities, and our diet. Paul contrasts the negative command, “be not” with a positive admonition, “be ye.” There is one thing that must be understood! To be conformed to this world requires no effort on our part. Let me say it again so that you have a clear understanding of what I said. To be conformed to this world requires no effort on our part. Because you still possess an old nature that wasn’t eradicated at conversion; the natural momentum of your fallen nature applies sufficient pressure to conform you to the similitude of the world.

There are three thoughts with respect to shedding light on our transformation. There is the operation of transformation; “by the renewing of your mind.” The word “mind” means the intellect or mind including thoughts, feelings, and will. Most experience no transformation because they have never set their mind to it. There must be a total renovation of one’s will and thought process if transformation is to occur. You are what you are because that’s what you want to be or you’re not willing to put forth the effort to be anything else.

There is the outcome of transformation; “but be ye transformed.” The key to understanding this truth is having an understanding of the word and who was the best example of it. The word means, to transform or metamorphose. It has the idea of transferring one’s fashion or form and the best example of this was our Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ; “And after six days Jesus taketh Peter, James, and John his brother, and bringeth them up into an high mountain apart, And was transfigured before them: and his face did shine as the sun, and his raiment was white as the light” (Matthew 17:1-2). On that mountain; the God that resided in an earthly body came to the outside and was seen by human eyes.

Lastly, there is the objective of transformation, “that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” Please grasp this truth; God’s good, acceptable, and perfect will is that you bear the image of His dear son; “For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son” (Romans 8:29). If you are truly born again you are the dwelling place of God (see II Cor. 6:16, I Cor.6:19 & 3:16-17). God wants you to present outwardly the God you possess inwardly; thus displaying and bearing the image of the Lord Jesus Christ.