Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. 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. -Romans 12:1-2

Have Christians been conformed to the world? The people of God are offended at the thought! After all, the church is supposed to be the “pillar and support” of the truth (1 Timothy 3:15). Do we stand for the truth or have we adopted the world’s outlook? Before simply dismissing the thought, consider this example.

Be of the same mind toward one another; do not be haughty in mind, but associate with the lowly. Do not be wise in your own estimation. Never pay back evil for evil to anyone. Respect what is right in the sight of all men. If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men. -Romans 12:16-18

How do we handle disagreements arising within the local congregation? Unity is what is called for. How do we see fellow Christians? Paul says that we should not think too highly of ourselves. How do we treat the poor? Biblically, we should spend time with them. What do we do when people take advantage of us? God tells us not too seek revenge. How do we define “right?” Our definition should be God’s definition. How do we deal with people when problems arise? Peacemakers are called sons of God (Matthew 5:9).

Paul calls the church to unity, humility, forgiveness, and peace. The church should aim for these attitudes daily. In contrast, the world has fallen victim to Satan’s reading.

Be of the same mind toward one another as long as everyone agrees with you; humility is for the weak, there is no need to waste your time with the lowly. You are as wise as you think you are. Treat people the way they treat you. Respect those who respect you. If possible, so far as it depends on others, be at peace with all men.* 

Unfortunately, the church often agrees with the world’s selective and alternate reading of Scripture. This conformity needs to stop. It is imperative that we seek to do God’s will in every situation. The beginning of a new year is when people resolve to do better. Christians must decide to be transformed into the living, holy sacrifices God wants us to be. Conformity does not please God. Christ died to free us from the patterns of the world, opening the door for something far better—a peaceful, repaired relationship with God (Ephesians 2:11-16). Let the transformation begin!

-Kevin W. Smith

*Romans 12:16-18 rewritten from Satan’s viewpoint.