“Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may discern what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God.” (Romans 12:2, CSB)
Christians were born in a fallen world. We were separated from God. But we received Christ as Lord, baptized into Him. And, having found the pearl of great price, we left the old allegiances and desires behind. Yet, as long as we remain in this mortal coil, we are tempted to once again conform to the pattern and practices of our culture. Prayer, fasting, meditating on scripture, and almsgiving bring us closer to our Lord and help us to reject the siren call of our culture.
We have been born from above or born again (John 3:3), regenerated by the Holy Spirit.
“He saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He washed away our sins, giving us a new birth and new life through the Holy Spirit. He generously poured out the Spirit upon us through Jesus Christ our Savior.” (Titus 3:5–6, NLT)
This new life has already begun in every Christian, but we are participants in an ongoing sanctification. Paul continues: “This is a trustworthy saying, and I want you to insist on these teachings so that all who trust in God will devote themselves to doing good. These teachings are good and beneficial for everyone.” (Titus 3:8, NLT)
Therefore, be transformed by the renewal of your mind.
“throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy.” (Ephesians 4:22–24, NLT)
We are to hate the old life.
“Do not love this world nor the things it offers you, for when you love the world, you do not have the love of the Father in you. For the world offers only a craving for physical pleasure, a craving for everything we see, and pride in our achievements and possessions. These are not from the Father, but are from this world. And this world is fading away, along with everything that people crave. But anyone who does what pleases God will live forever.” (1 John 2:15–17, NLT)
Our new life, renewed by the Holy Spirit, now is always to seek “what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God.” For we are being conformed to Christ Jesus.
“For God knew his people in advance, and he chose them to become like his Son, so that his Son would be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters.” (Romans 8:29, NLT)