Do Not Be Conformed, But Transformed!

When we(I use we to relate to the brethren) become comfortable in this world and its modus operandi, we allow ourselves to be conformed to the world. The Bible tells us very clearly "...not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of our minds..."(Romans 12:2 nasb) We will do one or the other. we will be conformed to the world when we take part in it to the point of turning away from that which we know is right. For example, how many times have we continued to watch a program that is absolutely opposed to the gospel? The opposition I mention here is not a flagrant stance against the Jesus, except they do use His name in vain repeatedly. (which I might add is flagrant) Or how about watching a television show that turns marriage into some sort of entertainment instead of being a holy and sacred covenant between God and a man and woman. Or even the casual sex in movies where the man and woman shack up for a night and that's just fine. These are the type of things that will absolutely conform us to the world and its lusts. the word "conform" means to be squeezed into a certain shape to fit a mold. the changing comes from the outside and pushes inward. In contrast the word "transform" relates to the change that comes from within and makes its way outward. So, we know that we are not to be conformed to this world, but how do we become transformed? We become transformed when we renew our minds. The way I see it is this. When we choose not to let the worldly elements fill our minds, we need to think about something to fill the void from choosing not to think on worldly things. therefore if we set our minds on Christ and on the things of Him, He will transform us. The transformation is not something we do, it comes from Him. It is so important that we not only take a stand in our lives for what we will not take part in, but also to be diligent in filling the void that we create when we take our stand.