Be Not Conformed!
"And do not be conformed to this world, but
be
transformed by the renewing of your mind, that
you may prove what is that good and acceptable
and perfect will of God."
Romans 12: 2
Bible translator, J. B. Philips, is known for his rendering
of Romans 12:2: “Don’t let the world around you squeeze
you into its own mould, but let God re-mould your minds
from within, so that you may prove in practice that the
plan of God for you is good, meets all his demands and
moves toward the goal of true maturity.”
“Conform” can be translated passively (“conformed”)
or actively (“conform”)—most modern translations
choose “conformed.”
“Conformed” suggests that the world is constantly putting
pressure on Christians to conform them into the
values
of the world. The latter suggests we are not to choose
conformity to the world.
“Be transformed” parallels “do not be conformed.”
Instead of allowing the world to conform us, we're to
be transformed by the renewing of our mind through
constant study and meditation on the Word of God.
Live defensively, guarding against the pressure
of this world. And live actively, filling your mind
with God’s truth.
"The Bible tells us not to be conformed
to this world either physically or
intellectually or spiritually."
Billy Graham
