And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. Romans 12:2(KJV).

REFLECT:
Living in this world with its systems and societies, we have been so inundated with the whole aspect of conformity. The term or word conform, or conformity is not new to any of us.

Our dealings and associations with being conformed as social beings is a way of life we have engaged with, heard, practiced, and have come to terms with from an early age, right from the point when we began to understand the world around us.

We notice how surrounded we are with the practices of conformity at home, at school, in our workplaces, at social gatherings, religious gatherings, etc. We were and still are all expected to conform to laid down rules, regulations, mandates, and principles that are in most cases morally bankrupt, etc. Offshoots of such patterns of conformity are evident in behavioral modes, this is where we all are expected to dress in the same way, pray in the same manner, learn in the same way, to simply put it, a one-size-fits-all system.

However, something we may not realize is that conformity tends more towards coercion/force putting us inline or in a designated place whether we like it or not, and most often than not this act of conformity does not yield a lasting reward, and the experiences from such most of us would want to forget in a hurry.

So, is there a way out of this trap? Thank goodness there is a way out of this whole syndrome of conformity of which we are being molded into by the world, and this way is what is called transformation, which is a process of allowing ourselves to be changed and renewed by the truth.

The question we may wish to ask ourselves here is, what is the truth? Our Bible verse for today gives us an accurate solution, understanding, and the answer we need. We are encouraged and advised here to allow ourselves to be transformed by the renewing of our minds with the Word of God.

Transformation in this regard brings about a renewal of the thoughts and imaginations of our minds. As we give ourselves to the study of God’s Word, we are taught by God through the Word of His truth on how to separate good from bad, right from wrong and to see the bigger picture of the consequences that may arise as a result of the choices we make in life and how they affect us and the people in our lives. In so doing we receive the enabling power by the Spirit of God to develop and cultivate the mind of Christ, and God our Heavenly Father.

When we allow our minds to be transformed by the Word of God’s truth, we bring ourselves into sync with God’s thoughts, behavioral model, and way of life. We engage with God, who then gives us the right perspective or perceptions on how to engage with other people and life in general.

Ebimobo W. Obasi

PLEASE PRAY ALONG:

Renew My Mind

FATHER GOD, you see all of my thoughts. You know where I’m struggling, and where I’m thriving. You understand the complexities of my mind. My thoughts influence my actions, so please transform the way I think. And when I am distracted by whatever’s going on around me, please redirect my attention to whatever is lovely, true, and praiseworthy. In JESUS MIGHTY NAME AMEN.