2 Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may discern what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God. Romans 12:2 HCSB
For those of us who unashamedly admit remembering going to a library and going through the process of checking-out a physical book and being held responsible for the safe return of that book, we can smile and laugh at what we see in the rearview mirror of those ancient days. And yet, we learned through this process how to respect public property, to speak in an indoor voice that was just a decibel above a whisper, and how to comb the rows of shelved books in search of the one you came in for. It was indeed painstaking, however, it was a fact of life and we really didn’t complain. We simply complied to the standard protocol.
Participating in school regulated physical education classes, we did not have a choice ~ it was part of the curriculum to fulfill the standard. As a middle schooler (we called it junior high), you made a dash for the locker room, changed into your PE uniformed clothing (that starched and crispy white snapped collar shirt and just above the knee elastic shorts and your laced non-Nike tennis shoes) in record time, and ran to the place where your instructor would be standing with her clipboard and whistle hanging from her neck, ready to blow for all 100 students to hit the track for a warm-up lap. We did as we were told ~ it was the standard requirement and no excuses were accepted. It was the rule you followed because you were a compliant student (and you wanted to pass the class).
As adults, I tend to think we have lost our sense of doing what is considered the right thing in the present day (now that we have earned the opportunity to exercise our free will) because either we are stuck in yesterday or we are mistakenly trying to desperately conform to everything that is happening around us today ~ for the sake of acceptance and belonging. It’s not about earning credits to graduate, it’s about earning the approval of the audience that is around us.
To be accepted … to be wanted … to belong … these are at the top of a human’s deepest needs (aside from basic shelter, food and clothing). As humans, we thrive and flourish when we are invited in and welcomed. No one wants to feel rejected, invisible or overlooked. And so we do what we think will get us in those places of acceptance in the circle of people that are popular and well known. It happens in all places, including the local church. Even if that conformity means sacrificing what we know to be right and true.
This internal dilemma can lead to physiological manifestations of disease (headaches, ulcers, high blood pressure to name a few) because of the war that is raging inside of us. It’s not like the compliance to PE class or library rules and etiquette. It’s the conformity to the practices that steer us further from the truth of who GOD designed us to be: His Daughter.
Suschématizó is the Greek word meaning to conform to. Literally, it’s like when you take putty and press it up against an object and that putty takes on the form of that object. The Apostle Paul urges us to not allow the present world we live in (and all its ideals and philosophies) to make such an impression on us that our minds are subjected to following suit.
Metamorphoó is the Greek word from which we get our English word: metamorphosis. In its literal translation it means to change after having been with. You might see where this is leading.
After we have been with Jesus, our minds should be transforming ~ notice the ongoing tense of the word. In other words, as Jesus followers who have a relationship with Him, our daily encounters (not just the relegated Sunday mornings in church where the congregation can see you with hands raised high) with Him have the power to continuously renew (transform) our minds, which will (should) ultimately result in a lifestyle that is not conformed to the ideals of this present age. This is more than just hitting the refresh button.
We have a daily choice to make ~ that is our work. The transformation is GOD’s work that happens in us by His Spirit molding our spirit because of the choices we make to surrender to Him. However that unfolds, whatever it looks like ~ we trust Him for the process and the outcome.
You many think that you’re in a pickle between two really tough places. At the end of the day, there is only one better way to choose. GOD knows your circumstances, and has equipped you for the decision you must make that honors Him ~ even if it’s not your first choice (the one your emotions would really want to grab). That’s when you turn up the volume on your faith and silence the world.
I am no stranger to difficult seasons, Friend. So, I get it if you’ve been struggling with letting go of people, places, things, and activities in order to move forward into the next chapter that GOD has already written for you. I can also tell you from experience with Jesus that there is no better place to be but in agreement with what He has for you ~ even if you don’t have a clue of what that looks like (or could potentially look like).
Remaining close to your Savior is the surest way to walk into the unknown because He knows what is up ahead for you. You don’t need to spend any more time trying to please people with your accomplishments or out-perform your co-workers. Stop conniving and scheming about how you will attain the latest and greatest gadgets, cars, gizmos and likes on your social media accounts. Don’t let the enemy of your soul treat you like putty.
You’ve got a much higher calling in life: Daughter of the King. And heavenly royalty has a different mindset because you have spent time with your Redeemer King.
I love you to Heaven and Back, Girlfriend ~
LindaRJohnson, TitusTwo Visionary
Titus Two 