Romans 12:2 – Be Transformed!

“Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.” (Romans 12:2)

There is so much focus these days on transformation. I don’t think a day goes by when I don’t see some sort of physical transformation celebrated on social media–from weight loss to wrinkle reduction. We applaud those who must now be feeling more content with their appearance. But those are not the transformations Paul was talking about here.

Context (Romans 12:1-5): The book of Romans covers so much ground teaching us about living a Christian life. This short section alone deals with how we should devote ourselves to God and what that behavior looks like. Paul warns us to be careful not to focus on the wrong things in life, even when looking in the mirror. Who are we as Christ followers?

This memory verse cautions us not to conform to the world’s standards. We don’t need to be the skinniest, the prettiest, the smartest, or the most athletic. People with influence tend to shine in those categories, and other people tend to idolize them. But this verse would suggest God isn’t impressed by all that.

God wants us to surrender to him and his perfect will for our lives. When we allow God to transform us, our thinking will change. That’s where lasting change begins. We will start to think more like God, feel moved by God’s presence, and better reflect the loving nature of our Savior. Being more like Jesus, the perfect one, moves the needle for us more than any gimmick or social experiment we see advertised.

It’s what’s in our hearts that matters to God. Of course, God can see in our innermost thoughts, what drives and inspires us. He wants to transform us from the inside out. When we allow our minds to be influenced by God and not the world, there are no limits to what we can do.

This verse says God’s will for us is not just “good,” it’s
“perfect.” In other words, God does know what’s best for us. Why would we doubt that? He’s the Creator of everything that exists. But we are rebellious children who often get caught up in the world’s trappings.

The temptation is always to fit in. A helpful tip to remember is this world is not our home. Hebrews 13:14-15 supports this belief.  “For this world is not our permanent home; we are looking forward to a home yet to come. Therefore, let us offer through Jesus a continual sacrifice of praise to God, proclaiming our allegiance to his name.”

When you think about what your life was like before you knew Jesus and compare it to who you are today, that’s transformation. God continues to work in each of us, and we are a “work in progress.” Paul told the Philippians, “And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.” (Philippians 1:6).

As we wait for Jesus’ return, reflect on how God is transforming you to be more Christ-like. Celebrate your new look!

Let’s pray. Lord, you are king of the universe and ruler of my life. Thank you for how you have taken me, broken and afraid, and molded me into a devoted follower. You have shaped my thoughts to be aligned with yours. Continue to work in my life and cleanse me from my sinful tendencies. Help me stay in your will and stand strong, ignoring the temptations of the world. In Jesus’ name. Amen.