Articles
Have You Been Renovated?
"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). These challenging words are familiar to most of us. They describe the challenge that has confronted humanity since the beginning of time and will continue to challenge each new generation as long as time continues and men remain in rebellion against God’s commands. Conformity to this world is an ever present danger Satan sets before us daily. It involves the danger of allowing ourselves to be shaped by the attitudes, actions and dispositions of the world in which we live. Paul plainly says, “Be not conformed to this world….” The Greek word used here means to “conform one’s self (our mind and character) to another’s pattern” (Thayer). J. B. Lightfoot translates it “to fall in with the fashion of this world.” Being conformed to the world emphasizes the temporary nature of that to which are conforming. This is a reminder that our world is constantly changing. If we conform to the world at any given moment, we will soon be out of step with the world. If you do not believe this just look through some old photographs and note the changes in hairstyles and clothing. If that does not do it for you, show those pictures to your children and listen to them laugh. Paul here calls for a complete change now that I am a Christian and warns us not to conform to the world’s changing standards.
The question is, “What is the solution to the problem of conformity to the world?” The word “transform” is derived from a Greek word meaning “to change into another form, to transfigure or transform.” This is the word that is used in Matthew 17:2 describing the transfiguration of Jesus, i.e. His appearance was changed. Paul answers how we can be transformed “by the renewing of your mind.” The meaning of “renewing” according to Thayer’s Dictionary of Greek Words is “a renewal, renovation, complete change for the better.” In other words, if we want to change the way we live, we must change the way we think and until we do this we will continue to be conformed to the world. The challenge of transformation remains very real. We are constantly faced with pressure to conform to the world of our day. The moral decline of our nation, for example, finds its source in conformity. Each of us must answer as to whether we will conform to the world and its ways or transform our minds and “…Walk as children of light” (Eph. 5:8b). Scripture cites many reasons for choosing to serve the risen Lord, but Romans 6:23 should suffice for anyone who seriously wants to go to heaven; “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
Everyone wants to be saved, but the test is in what we are willing to sacrifice in order to be saved. Are we conformed to this world or are we transformed?
