Read: Romans 12:2

Do not conform 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.

Reflect:

On his Slow Train Coming album in 1978, Bob Dylan recorded “Gotta Change My Way of Thinking”… Here’s a sample of the lyrics:

Gonna change my way of thinking
Make myself a different set of rules
Gonna put my good foot forward
And stop being influenced by fools.

In the verse above, Paul challenged the followers of Christ in Rome to change their way of thinking. Instead of being influenced by the culture around them, Paul was intent on two things –

• Avoid being conformed to the expectations of others around us.
• Transform your mind by changing the way you think.

Respond:

So, am I being a non-conformist? Am I being transformed? Is my mind being renewed or am I opening my mind to something else? Is my faith changing me or am I pretty much the same as I was a year ago? Do I know more of the Bible or is the truth of the Bible changing my attitudes and behaviors? Am I continuing to grow in my love for Christ above everything and everyone else?