The Transformed Life – a Call to ConsecrationSample

Do Not Conform to This World (Romans 12:2a)

The world will always try to pressure believers to conform to its patterns. In fact, that's the agenda! Essentially, it is a battle between systems! Whether through media, culture, or societal expectations, there is a constant temptation to align with the world’s values. But as Christians, we are called to resist conformity and choose transformation instead. True transformation comes by actively rejecting the mold the world tries to press us into and instead being renewed in our minds through the truth of God’s Word. Let today be a reminder to purposefully resist the world’s pressure and stand firm in the freedom and transformation that come from living for God.

“Conformed” (suschematizō)

The Greek word suschematizō comes from the root word schema, meaning form or shape. To be conformed means to be pressed into a mold or to follow a pattern. This verb implies external pressure that seeks to reshape you according to a certain pattern or model. It’s not a voluntary act but the result of outside influence trying to alter the identity God initially gave us when we were created, even though the way we were born doesn't reflect the way we were originally created by God. But we should continue this journey with the awareness that we are not to conform but revert to our original form prior to the fall of humanity.

Galatians 1:10 – “For do I now persuade men, or God? Or do I seek to please men? For if I still pleased men, I would not be a bondservant of Christ.”

Insight: Paul contrasts seeking to please men with being a servant of Christ. To be conformed to the world is to seek to please the world—to follow its values, patterns, and systems. But true believers are not to allow these influences to shape them.

“This World” (aiōn)

The word aiōn refers not just to the physical world but to the present age the culture, mindset, and values of the world in which we live. It’s the system of thought and the ideology that governs how people think, act, and live apart from God. The world’s mindset is often in rebellion against God’s truth and is driven by selfishness, pride, and temporary pleasures.

1 John 2:15-17 – “Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world. And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever.”

Insight: John warns against the love of worldly values. The world is characterized by temporary pleasures that ultimately lead to destruction. Christians are called to resist being shaped by this passing age, and instead, live according to God’s will, which leads to eternal life.

Daniel 1:8 – “But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king’s delicacies, nor with the wine which he drank; therefore he requested of the prince of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself.”

Insight: Daniel’s decision not to conform to the king’s food and drink is an excellent example of refusing to conform to the worldly culture. Even though he was in a foreign land surrounded by worldly influence, Daniel purposed in his heart to remain faithful to God’s principles. This is the resolve Christians need in resisting worldly pressures.

Related Scriptures to Reflect On

1 John 2:15-17 – “Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world. And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever.”

Insight: The “world” is temporary and fading, but God’s will is eternal. The passage encourages believers to avoid worldly desires—which are selfish and fleeting—and instead pursue a life that reflects God’s eternal truth.

Daniel 1:8 – “But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king’s delicacies, nor with the wine which he drank; therefore he requested of the prince of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself.”

Insight: Daniel’s stand is a powerful illustration of active resistance to conformity. Even though he was under immense pressure in a foreign culture, Daniel refused to compromise his faith. It shows that resistance to worldly pressures begins with a decision of the heart to remain faithful to God.

James 4:4 – “Adulterers and adulteresses! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Whoever therefore wants to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God.”

Insight: James makes it clear that friendship with the world (i.e., conforming to its values and patterns) is at odds with friendship with God. You cannot have loyalty to both. Worldliness creates enmity with God, and believers are called to choose their allegiance carefully.

Revelational Insight: The Battle Against Conformity

The world is constantly attempting to shape us through media, culture, education, entertainment, and social norms. Conformity to the world’s standards is often subtle, creeping into our lives through seemingly harmless influences. The enemy seeks to shape believers into his image through these avenues, encouraging us to adopt worldly values and live according to its standards.

Cultural Pressure: We face daily pressure to conform to cultural norms that glorify self-centeredness, materialism, instant gratification, and pride. These values are contrary to the values of the Kingdom of God, which call for self-sacrifice, holiness, and eternal purpose. Resisting conformity requires a mindset shift we must reject the world’s mold and choose to live according to God's principles.

True Transformation: Transformation doesn’t happen passively. It requires active resistance to the world’s patterns and a renewing of the mind through God’s Word. Spiritual transformation is not about trying to fit in with society’s values but about aligning our lives with the values of the Kingdom of God.

Mindset and Heart Reset: Our transformation begins in the mind. We must consciously reject the world’s patterns of thinking and acting and renew our minds with God’s truth. The mind is the battleground where the battle for conformity or transformation is fought. True transformation happens when we actively renew our minds through Scripture, prayer, and allowing the Holy Spirit to shape our hearts.

Personal Application:

Examine Your Influences: Take time to assess the influences in your life. Are there areas where you have allowed the world’s values to shape your thinking or behavior?

Consider how the media, culture, or societal norms have subtly influenced your decisions, values, or lifestyle. Ask God to help you resist conformity and align more with His will.

Purpose in Your Heart: Just like Daniel, purpose in your heart today to not be defiled by the world’s system. Decide now that you will not compromise your faith, even in the face of temptation or cultural pressures. Stand firm in your commitment to God and choose His ways over the ways of the world.

Renew Your Mind: The process of resisting conformity requires an active effort to renew your mind daily. Spend time in God’s Word, meditate on His truth, and ask the Holy Spirit to transform your thoughts and desires. Make time each day to pray for clarity and the strength to reject the world’s pattern and adopt God’s perspective.

Personal Prayer:

Father, I recognize the constant pressure the world exerts to shape me into its image. I ask for Your help to actively resist being conformed to the world’s ways. Renew my mind and transform my heart to align with Your will. Like Daniel, I purpose in my heart to remain faithful to You and not defile myself with the patterns of this age. Help me to see clearly the areas where I have been influenced by worldly values and to choose instead to live according to Your truth. In Jesus’ name, Amen.