“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.”  
Roman 12:2  
 
This is another verse that the Lord has kept me focused on the last few days.  And it is one that weighs heavy on my heart to share.  There are key words (conformed, transformed and renewing) that will help us as we trust the Holy Spirit to open the Scripture to us. 
 
*Do not be ‘conformed’:
As defined in “Vine’s Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words”:
SUSCHEMATIZO in the Greek meaning, “this verb has more especial reference to that which is transitory, changeable, unstable.”
Just by its definition we can see that it exactly fits the world!  Nothing seems to be stable especially in the world today.  What was true yesterday is not so today--it is the individual’s interpretation.
 
Jesus speaking to His disciples,
“For what is a man profited if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul?  Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?” 
Matthew 16:26
 
In Luke 21:34 Jesus is warning,
“But take heed to yourselves, lest your hearts be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness, and cares of this life, and that Day (His coming) come on you unexpectedly.” 
 
Paul admonishes in Colossians 3:2’
“Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.”
 
*But be ‘transformed’
METAMORPHOO in the Greek, Vine’s defines the word in our verse, “the obligation being to undergo a complete change which, under the power of God, will find expression in character and conduct…the inward change.”
And,
“The Illustrated Dictionary of the Bible, H. Lockyer, Sr., Editor”--”to change radically in inner character, condition, or nature.
 
The metamorphose of the butterfly is a wonderful example from nature of a transformation.  It goes through four stages: egg, caterpillar/larva, chrysalis/we sometimes refer to a cocoon, and imago/butterfly.  Did you noticed that the first three stages are earthbound?  Did you notice the transforming miracle takes place in secret?  The adult butterfly then works its way out of the chrysalis.  It must do it by itself, that struggle is a part of the transforming miracle.  Now out, it is no longer earthbound, but with wings, a butterfly free to fly.
 
The Scripture that come to mind is:
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.”  
2 Corinthian 5:17
 
*‘by the renewing’ of your mind
In Vine’s, ANAKAINOSIS, “the adjustment of the moral and spiritual vision and thinking to the mind of God, which is designed to have a transforming effect upon the life.”
 
“Therefore we do not lose heart.  Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day.”  
2 Corinthians 4:16
 
“…you have put off the old man with his deeds, and have put on the new man who is renewed in knowledge according to the image of Him who created him.”  
Colossians 3:9-10
 
“Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit.”  
Titus 3:5
 
As with all Scripture, there is so much more.  My thought always is that each of us would do a further personal study so that we can respond as 
1 Peter 3:15 directs,
“But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord.  Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give a reason for the hope that you have.  But do it with gentleness and respect.”
 
I close with Romans 12:2 from the Amplified Bible,
“Do not be conformed to this world (this age).  [Fashioned after and adapted to its external, superficial customs], but be transformed (changed) by the [entire] renewal of your mind [by its new ideals and its new attitude], so that you may prove [for yourselves] what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God, even the thing which is good and acceptable and perfect [in His sight for you].”
 
Thank you Lord Jesus, our God and Savior, for this life we have in You.  Help us to fix our eyes on You, our Author and Finisher!  Amen