² And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.

The second thing to which God calls us is complete conformity to His will. The negative side of the coin is, “[D]o not be conformed to this world.” In the context of Romans the “world” (Greek “aion”) often refers to the age to come, or “forever” (see 1:26, 9:5, 11:36). With the phrase “this world,” Paul refers to the character of this current time period or age.

No sooner does a person become a Christian and desire to live for God in light of his or her justification, than the pull of the world makes its ugly, unrelenting presence known. Classically, the “world” is considered part of the evil triumvirate which includes the flesh and the devil, teaming up to bring Christians down. Paul can not say it any more simply: “Do not be conformed to this world”! Don’t use the world as your pattern for life, behavior and thought. Peter adds in, “As obedient children, do not be conformed to the former lusts which were yours in your ignorance, but like the Holy One who called you, be holy yourselves also in all your behavior…” (1 Peter 1:14-15).

Our goal is not conformity to the world but conformity to the image of God—that is His will. How this plays out will vary among Christians, but the focus is not primarily on how a Christian looks, or superficial behaviors. Too often churches have set up lists (either explicit or implied) of “Christian” laws of behavior, like “Do not handle, do not taste, do not touch…which…are of no value against fleshly indulgence” (Col 2:21-23). We all know what those unwritten rules are in our own circle of fellowship.

Rather, the conformity God desires has to do with how we think. Paul has in mind nothing short of a complete transformation of our thought life, a renovation in the most profound sense. Preachers commonly and aptly use the concept of metamorphosis, which takes place when a caterpillar within a cocoon turns into a beautiful butterfly. God calls us to this inner metamorphosis of the heart and mind. This is His will in justifying the unjust, and we, the justified, need to keep in step with His will (see Gal 5:25). We need to bring “every thought captive to the obedience of Christ” (2 Cor 10:5). This is pleasing to God (verse 1) and is “good and acceptable and perfect” in His eyes. The rest of Romans unpacks the implication of this truth.

Lord, at times I have given in too easily to the temptation of conforming to the world’s ways of thinking. But I renew my commitment to be conformed in my mind to Your will.