And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. ~ Romans 12:2
What is the will of God referred to in this passage? You might say it’s the opposite of what it means to be “conformed to this world.” In other words, you must no longer think in terms of the world’s values, philosophies, or worldview, but only in terms of God’s revealed will in Christ as He dwells in us:
This I say, therefore, and testify in the Lord, that should no longer walk as the rest of the Gentiles walk, in the futility of their mind, having their understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God, because of the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart; who, being past feeling, have given themselves over to lewdness, to work all uncleanness with greediness. But you have not so learned Christ. ~ Ephesians 4:17-20
The apostle Paul goes on to say that you must “put off, concerning your former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts, and be renewed in the spirit of your mind” (v. 22-23). This means the purpose, or aim, of our minds must be transformed so that we might “put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness” (v. 24).
When Paul says, “you have not so learned Christ,” he’s referring to the teachings of the apostles throughout the first century church. We have that body of teaching in written form in the New Testament, so in order for us to renew our minds, we must use the power of the Word of God.
Take some time to read through Paul’s letters, and you’ll see just how much space he dedicates to this concept of our new life in Christ and how it should dominate our thinking. We are “sojourners and pilgrims” in this world (1 Peter 2:11), so we better start thinking and acting like it!
Get in God’s Word today and discover who you are in Christ Jesus.
