Conformed Or Transformed
by Philip Asselin
Our verse for today tells us that we are under constant pressure to be conformed. But what does the word mean? It means “to be made similar, to match, or to comply with a standard, rule, custom, or group's expectations; often involving adapting one's behaviour, beliefs, or form to fit in or meet a requirement, like conforming to a dress code or a building code.” This pressure is very real, and it comes from the enemy via two inter-linked sources.
The first is our carnal nature crying out to be accepted in the world we live in and to be ‘normal’ and not step out of line. To do that we may find ourselves behaving as we see the ‘favoured’ people do. This can be because of a fear that others wouldn’t like us if they knew the real person we are. This is reflected in what we say and how we act when people are watching.
Going along with what others are doing reduces the possibility of disagreements that could lead to one group member being ostracized. We find ourselves copying the actions of others, looking to the group when deciding how to think or behave, or doing what is "expected", based on widely accepted (if often unspoken) social norms.
The second is pressure placed on us by someone in a position of power and control. This could be a boss, parent, or even a church minister; where their view of what is acceptable and allowable clashes with our own and is unloving and even unbiblical. If we don’t behave as expected, then we can be made to feel valueless, worthless, and life can be hard until we ‘toe the line’. In both cases we can find that the world wants to drag us down to its own level of sinfulness.
In Romans 12:2, Paul emphasises not to be conformed in this way, which actually leads to us losing the reality of who we are really are. Instead, he urges us to be transformed by the renewing of our mind.
How does this start? It is by being born again, as Paul states in 2 Corinthians 5:17, which makes us a new creation in Christ Jesus. From this point we then test, through the Holy Spirit communicating to our human spirit, the will of God.
Today, as you read this ‘Seed’ is there a ‘still small voice’ from God telling you that you are still conforming to what the world expects of you, rather than working with God to deepen the transforming of your mind? A conformed mind leads to sin. A transformed mind leads to discerning the good and acceptable and perfect will of God. It is our choice to make.
Philip Asselin Philip is on the associate ministry and teaching teams with Glyndley Manor. He and his wife Gillian attended the second Healing Retreat at Glyndley Manor in 1992, and were greatly helped. They have two grown up children, one grandson, and a step-granddaughter in California, and a daughter and granddaughter in Eastbourne. His desire is to see people healed and set free to serve God.
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