Romans 12:2 says:
Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.Two words that stand out to me in this passage are “conform” and “transform”. This verse suggests that we fall into two categories – either conforming or transforming.
I will use an analogy of diffusion and active transport in biology. (How geeky I know – but as a disclaimer it’s been a while since I’ve studied these things so I cannot vouch for the absolute scientific validity or depth of my example!)
Diffusion and active transport are both processes in which cells in the body obtain or release nutrients or waste products. Now diffusion is pretty much a go-with-the-flow type process. For example in a crowded room everyone spreads out – unless you have awkward personal space boundary issues (not looking at anyone in particular). In contrast active transport actually requires energy to actively pump things in against the natural flow - like salmon swimming upstream against the flow of the water.
So if we relate this back to the verse – in our passive state, if we do nothing, we will automatically flick to diffusion mode and conform to the pattern of this world. The call, however, is for us to be transformed (like active transport) to pump in the nutrients (God’s Word!), which we require to know what God’s will is!
It’s almost like our minds and desires are mould-able play dough waiting to take the shape of its surroundings. That’s a scary thought when you think about it! Many of us live oblivious to the fact.
I suppose that’s how advertising works. But on a more non-commercial note what sort of moral values and perceptions about God are we gaining from sources external to the Bible. Whether you like it or not we begin to form our beliefs based on what we surround ourselves with.
You may have heard it said that religion and Christianity brainwashes you – But I would submit to you that we are all being brainwashed period. It is up to you to decide what you want to be brainwashed by: The Word of God or something else.
So the application point here is – what are you allowing yourself to be conformed to? Do nothing and I assure you, you will naturally go with the flow and think whatever TV or magazines tell you to.
I’m not saying that we have to cut media out completely (though it would probably do those who are serious about God some serious good) but I am saying that we need to watch what the predominant conforming agent in our lives is.
So if you are serious about growing in Christ and knowing God’s will; transform your mind and renew it daily with the Bible.
Do it – it won’t happen over night… but it will happen… if you actively transform your mind!
David Cheung
"Being born into a Christian family made me think that I was automatically a Christian. I enjoyed going to church and occasionally listened to what was being said at the pulpit or in Sunday school. So I then started praying everyday thinking that was all there was to being a Christian. However in high school, so many things outside of church influenced me and there was a lot of drama at home and at school. I slowly began to let my relationship with Jesus slide away and sort of pushed it to the back of everything else. My priorities were definitely not in order and I did not put God first. I believed I was the most important and God should just be there to look after me.
I have always believed that Christ died for our sins but somehow I just didn’t care. I could never really grasp that ‘Whilst we were still sinners, Christ died for us.’ You’d think that verse from Romans would be enough to convince me after hearing it repeatedly in church, but I was too selfish, enjoying life the way I thought it should be. My selfishness and love of worldly pleasures caused me to be apart from the Lord Jesus Christ. Although I went to church weekly, looking back now, I may have been AT church but I don’t think I was really ‘there’, meaning I just went because I had to, not because I wanted to.
However, by God’s grace, it is this year that I finally want to seek God first and have a real relationship with Him. I’ve noticed a change in my priorities and my desires in worldly things have slowly started to fade away. I remember in my childhood God allowed me to make a promise that no matter what I’ll always believe that Jesus died on the cross for our sins and rose from the dead so that we can have eternal life. Even though I have had many doubts about my faith, I praise God that He always brought me back to Him.
Throughout my life I have seen many good things happen which I praise God for. But I’ve also seen many bad things although now I finally see that Jesus teaches us to rejoice in our suffering. I am so thankful that He has led me up to this point in my life, to take this step of confirmation and to have a true relationship with Christ.
Although I know I will continue to fail over and over, I truly believe He will guide me through my life according to His will. I pray that He will give me wisdom and courage to proclaim the gospel of Christ so that all glory and honour shall be unto Him. To sum it all up, Jesus’ love and sovereignty is what has gotten me here today. He is my Saviour and King and so I can say without regret that His love [is] so amazing, so divine and it demands my soul, my life, my all."
Rebecca Teo
If you have any exams please email Amy at a.cheong3@gmail.com. Study hard for your exams!
