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The pressure to conform is constant. Every day, we’re bombarded with messages about what is good, socially acceptable and cool. There’s a definite expectation for us to do and say certain things, and to prove that we value what the people around us value.
If we don’t fit in, there’s a cost. We see the way some people, who don’t conform, are called out by society and perhaps we feel afraid – we don’t want that for ourselves.
But in Romans 12, Paul reminds us that it doesn’t matter what the world says is good; it’s God’s point of view that matters, and we are to be transformed by him. The language of presenting our body as ‘a living sacrifice’ (verse 1) acknowledges that this won’t be easy. And the instruction to ‘be transformed by the renewal of your mind’ tells us that we need to go through a process of realigning our mindset to be able to discern, over all the noise of our culture, ‘what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect [to him]’ (verse 2).
But how do we do this in a practical sense?
In a world full of ‘influencers’ and ever-changing ‘correct’ ways of thinking, we need to think carefully about the people we listen to and how their views and advice affect our behaviour. Do the things they speak about, and the things they encourage us to do, honour and glorify God? Do the things they prize even have lasting worth and meaning?
What if we spent time with God rather than scrolling through social media; opened our Bibles instead of diving into the latest gossip; stopped worrying about the approval of others and focused on pleasing God instead?
God wants to transform us from the inside out. It is not something we do ourselves, it is something he is doing in us. When we spend time reading God’s word, praying, and in fellowship with God’s people, we will be better able to discern ‘what is good and acceptable and perfect’. It means letting go of our own desires or ways of thinking, and allowing God to change us into new beings.
Let God renew your mind and see how that transforms the way you live.
Take action:
Who are you influenced by in your day-to-day life? Write down what they speak about, what views they express and how they tell you to behave. Practise discernment by comparing this with what the Bible says about these things. Is there a tension between the two? Pray about it.
In Romans 12.9–11, Paul describes some of the marks of a ‘true Christian’. Meditate on this passage and pray about anything that you know you struggle with. Think about specific situations in your life. Ask God to renew your mind and to help you respond in a way that pleases him.
This reflection was written by Leonie Dorland, from the Bible Engagement team at Bible Society.
If you have two minutes: Listen to the audio reflection and ponder how it might be relevant in your life.
If you have up to ten minutes: Read the Bible passage and listen to the audio reflection; you might want to keep a small journal, or note on your phone, to jot down words and phrases that jump out at you. Finish with a brief prayer to put what you have read and heard into practice.
What if I miss a day(s)?: Don’t worry, life happens! Just pick up the devotional again on the current day, and, if you wish, you can use the space for reflection on Sundays to listen to those reflections you may have missed.
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