Transformed or Conformed

Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind...

Romans 12:2a

I must confess that I am often convicted by the piercing question, “Am I transformed by Christ or conformed to the world?” To be conformed means “to be compliant with rules, standards or laws,” while to be transformed is “to be thoroughly or dramatically changed in the form, appearance or character of.” Compliance requires nothing more than the for us to accept a certain set of standards and the desire to act in accordance with those standards. It requires no real change. Transformation, however, requires a complete change of our heart, will, mind and character. 

Think about it in terms of basic chemistry. We can understand compliance (conformed) in terms of a physical change. When water freezes and becomes ice there is no change in chemical composition. It is still water; its just frozen. It is in a different state. It has physically changed to comply with different physical conditions. Transformation, on the other hand, is to be understood in terms of a chemical change. Chemical change is defined by a complete change in chemical composition. For example, if Sodium metal (Na) is combined with Chlorine gas (Cl) an explosive reaction takes place (particularly when a drop of water is added as a catalyst). The result of this reaction is the common chemical compound NaCl, or common table salt. The materials are completely transformed into something else. 

So it is with us. When the Lord Jesus enters our lives we become new creations (2 Cor. 5:17). We have a new standard. We have a new life. We have been redeemed and transformed by God’s grace to live for Christ by living for others, all done by the power of His Spirit. “This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you” (John 15:12). Therefore, our calling from God is not be simply molded and “conformed” to the standards of this world, but rather to be transformed in our minds as we are in our hearts -- to be completely and dramatically changed in our thoughts, wills and character. 

I ask myself and encourage you to do the same, “Am I conformed to this world or am I transformed by the renewing of my mind?” Are there areas of my life where I struggle with the realization of my status as a new creation in Christ Jesus? Do I reflect that new identity? Do I find my identity in Jesus Christ? Pray that God will show you those places where are satisfied with and even glory in your compliance with the world. Ask him to help you be transformed by the renewal of your mind. 

CHD

Helpful Scripture: 

Romans 12

2 Corinthians 4:7-6:13

Isaiah 43

Isaiah 65