“And do not be conformed to this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. That you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.”
Romans 12:2
This is one of my favorite scriptures. The first few words, “Do not be conformed to this world” was easy for me. I never wanted to conform with anything! To be the same as other people always seemed boring, “cookie cutter people” is what I thought. That is, until I became a Christian. But, even then, I was at a loss with the stereotypical descriptions that came to mind.
Then one day, as I read the above scripture, I realized God never wanted me to conform into something I wasn’t but to be transformed . . . transformed by renewing my mind. Throw out all those images I had in my mind of what a Christian looked like. Then came the question . . . how was I going to transform into someone who knew what the will of God was?
Well, by submitting my will to the will of the only perfect One, Jesus Christ our Lord. His death on the cross transformed this sinner into a saint (a set apart one). Anyone can conform with their surroundings, but to rise above—to be changed from the inside out—is the work of the Holy Spirit.
Easier said than done, huh? That’s how I felt (remember I’m the non-conformist). If the Holy Spirit was going to transform me into the image of God AND teach me to know the will of God, wouldn’t I be just like everyone else?
"Yes and no".
“For as in one body we have many members and the members do not all have the same function, so we, though many are one body in Christ and individually members of one another.”
Romans 12:4- 5
We are all different. But in the body of Christ our differences are not a bad thing. Even non-conformists like me can be used by God. He transformed me by changing me from being self centered into being others centered. When I study His word, He gives me words to write to encourage others. He lets me be me by showing others how I love Jesus and how thankful I am for His transforming power in my life.
“Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality.” Romans 12:9-13
These scriptures initially made me stop and ask, “Lord, if everybody is doing the same thing doesn’t that make us all the same?”
“Yes and no.”
“Again, Lord?!”
The best part of being transformed by God is that I can freely bring Him my questions, doubts, even my quirks. I can be myself and know I’m loved exactly the way I am—the new and improved me who longs to be a blessing to my Lord and encourage His daughters.
“I appeal to you therefore brothers (and sisters) by the mercies of God to present your bodies as a living sacrifice holy and acceptable to God which is your spiritual worship.” Romans 12:1
That my friends, is the first step to being transformed. He takes you just the way you are and transforms you into something beautiful and new.
By Eve Montano