Conformed or Transformed????

Have you ever really thought about what happens to a person when he or she becomes a Christian? I mean, is there a big cross tattooed on the forehead or something? Obviously not. So, how are we to recognize someone as being a Christian? Or, are we even supposed to be able to recognize a Christian?

Many times a Christian doesn’t want to be noticed, doesn’t want to be singled out as a believer in Jesus. Some people see believers as Bible-thumping holy rollers who look down on the humanness of our condition. Others look for the imperfections in Christians that contradict what they say they believe. Then there are some who actually make fun of and ridicule people who profess faith in Jesus. Sometimes it’s just easier to not be noticed as a believer; it’s easier to live as a silent Christian.

Scripture indicates very strongly that a true believer in Jesus Christ should be different from those who do not profess faith – they should be noticed!

·         Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God. Romans 12:2

Two key words in that verse are conformed and transformed.

·         Conformed - to act in accord with the prevailing standards, attitudes, practices, etc., of society or a group; to be or become similar in form, nature, or character. (dictionary.com)

What does being conformed to the world mean? It is necessary to know the answer to that question in order to understand the imperative to NOT do it.

If one is conformed to the world, he/she looks like, talks like, walks like, and smells like the world. In other words, there is no difference between the two. It’s like the old adage, “If it walks like a duck and quakes like a duck, it’s probably a duck.” There is no distinction between his/her  vocabulary, or the jokes he/she tells and laughs at, or the morals and ethic he/she lives by. Business is conducted like the world, relationships look like those of the world, social activities are the same as the world.

Believers are NOT to be like the world.

·         Transformed - to undergo a change in form, appearance, or character (dictionary.com)

Instead of conformed to the world, believers are to be transformed – changed! Believers are to be different! They should stick out! They should be noticed! – Not in an obnoxious, “better-than-you” type way, but different in their character, motivation, and purpose. Wow!  That’s not something one can do on his own. Oh, one can pretend – for a while – but eventually, the true self will win out.

So how is that transformation achieved? …by the renewing of your mind… This is a spiritual transformation – unable to be achieved except via a supernatural force.

·         This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun! 2 Corinthians 5:17

Transformation!

Christianity is a calling – away from worldliness and toward Godliness. We are called to be like Christ – not BE Christ, but be LIKE Christ by the transforming of our mind, our thoughts, our inner man.  

That spiritual force, the Holy Spirit, is instantly in us when we put our faith in Christ. That refining process of transforming our minds is a process, a path we travel as our relationship with him grows deeper.

Christians are to be noticeable. They should stick out like a redhead in a sea of peroxide blonds!

If you claim Christ as your Savior, is it noticeable to those who cross your path throughout the day, or are you living out your life as a silent Christian, hoping no one singles you out, pointing no one toward Jesus?

Are you conformed – or – transformed?