Transform not Conform

“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that you may discern what is the will of God – what is good and acceptable and perfect?” [Romans 12:2]

“Do not be conformed to this world,” easier said than done. We are like fish swimming in water, and we can’t always discern the water! We can’t always discern the things that influence us whether we want them to or not. Culture, whatever culture it may be, has a way of shaping us. So, what are we to do? Apostle Paul suggests we need to be transformed by the renewing of our minds. I take this to mean we need to engage our unique human ability to examine why we do what we do. Self-reflection is the ability to witness and evaluate our own cognitive, emotional, and behavioral processes. Without conscious self-reflection our ability to learn from experience is limited and without inviting God into this space of self-reflection renewing our minds is unlikely. How can we discern the will of God if God is not invited into the conversation? Are you willing to invite God into your times of self-reflection so that you might be transformed by the renewing of your mind?

Prayer

Loving God, you desire for me to discern your will, for what is good and acceptable and perfect. Yet often I don’t invite you into the conversation. Help me make room for your Spirit to do the work of transformation in my life. Amen.