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. “
This verse is a continuance of Romans 12:1 where Paul writes about becoming a living sacrifice. Verse 2 gives a deeper explanation of what that entails. As a Christian, I should be different from the world around me, that is, the world of those needing Jesus. Transformation means to make a thorough or dramatic change in form, appearance, or character. As follower of Christ, I should be changed both outwardly and inwardly. Outwardly doesn’t just mean how I look, but it also refers to my behaviors. My outward appearance begins with how I look, but there is so much more. There is an old adage that states, “You only get one opportunity to make a first impression.” While we would hope we are not judged by our clothing, hair- style or make-up, the truth is that first impressions impact the opening of doors of opportunity to witness for Christ. Outward behaviors include my language, the music to which I listen, the company I keep, the way I dress… this list could go on and on, but basically, it involves anything that people can observe in my life. I don’t want anything in my actions to be detrimental to the cause of Christ, so I try to make godly choices. Am I always successful? Sadly no, but I keep trying, and with the help of the Holy Spirit, I get better at it every day.
The inward me is even more difficult to transform. Thankfully, the Holy Spirit is hard at work here. To make a change in my heart, I must constantly be studying the Bible, and God’s Spirit gives me understanding as I read God’s Word. It is the Scriptures that make the inward change. The Bible is rich with what I need to make me more conformed to His image.
Romans 8:29 states “For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.” As I become Christ-like in my heart, mind, and soul, I am being conformed to His image. This is how transformation takes place. While this is a work in progress for Christians (Philippians 1:6), Jesus Himself is our example of what will eventually happen to us. He was the first to be resurrected to God the Father, and we will follow one day in Jesus’ resurrected footsteps. Thus, the key to a transformed inner being is through the Word of God. Without the Scriptures embedded in my heart, I am merely an outer shell without substance, but when I have the Word of God hidden in my heart, I become more like God’s Son… more conformed to His image… more transformed… more of a living sacrifice. The more I am like Jesus, the more able I can provide evidence to the world of God’s love. As the inner me learns God’s good (desirable), acceptable (suitable), and perfect (faultless) will, I am better able to reflect it to the world in my outer appearance and behavior. When others see the outward difference in me… appearance and behavior… hopefully, they can then see a reason for coming to know Jesus as their Lord and Saviour. That is my reasonable service!
“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.” – Romans 12:1
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What does the world see in you that points them to Christ?