Transformation

 August 23, 2020

One of the most quoted of Bible texts (after John 3:16) is Romans 12:1-2. My thoughts today come from verses 2 & 3, where Paul tells us to not conform to this world, or more precisely, “Don’t be conformed.” His wording is carefully chosen. It’s possible to actively choose conformity, but that’s not how it usually happens. Conformity is generally passive. We conform by allowing ourselves to be led, sometimes in directions and into places we otherwise would not go. “Being” conformed requires an abdication of responsibility and control and is not something actively pursued. 

Transformation on the other hand, is more deliberate. It requires an active change, or renewal in our thinking. It is never passive. As the old saying goes, “Even a dead fish can swim downstream.” Verse two highlights the process. We conform when we think more of ourselves than we ought. we become overconfident in our talent, resources, etc., or even in our ability to resist the crowd. But it is the world that says, “You can be anything you want, or “If you dream it, you can do it.” Paul however, gives the path of transformation: “Think soberly, as God has given you a measure of faith.” Elsewhere (Colossians 3:2 and Philippians 2:1-5), Paul elaborates: “Let this mind be in you which was in Christ” who humbled himself even to a cross. 

Pastors and others who have invested years in studying the Scriptures, often have a difficult time with this. It is easy to let our learning box us into a corner of conformity. To be humble enough to admit our thinking resembles more that of the world around us, with its insistence upon controlling the conversation with proud argumentation is not easy. And when I inwardly cheer on the sarcastic comment about someone or some issue with which I disagree,I am conforming. Transformative thinking chooses prayer over protest, sacrifice over self-interest, and love over hatred.