Do not to be conformed to the world.

Posted on May 15, 2024, 9:36 a.m. by Rev. Shobayo Kayode

At the time believer receives salvation newly, he tends to live a life that is in conformity to the image of God (Jesus Christ). He truly wants to be holy in all his conducts. This he does for a short while and he goes back to conforming to this world. The question is Why? The answer is, because one cannot achieve holy conduct without renewal of mind, and renewal of mind takes gradual process. The scripture says “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” (Rom.12:2). The scripture is saying until the mind is renewed, there will be no transformation and the tendency to be conformed to the world becomes the reality. For one to have a renewed mind, he needs the power of the Holy Spirit to help him do the necessary cleansing. (Titus.3:5). Wash away the old worldly things and replace it with new and heavenly things. While the believer needs the power of the Holy Spirit to help him get holy in all his conduct and get conform to the image of Jesus Christ, he on his own can begin to set his mind on the things above. “Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.” (Col.3:2). The things which are above are described, as where Christ is sitting at the right hand of God (Col.3:1) and the angels around the throne and elders praising God. (Rev.5:11-12) The more his mind is on God and things of God, little he will think about things of the world and will therefore not get his mind conformed to the world. The word of God says further that one should not love the world or the things of the world because they are against what is good, acceptable and perfect will of God. “Do not love the world or things in the world…. for all that is in the world - the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life is not of the Father but is of the world” (1 John.2:15-16). The things of the world are things that causes man to fall into sin. In addition to setting his mind on the things above, he can get his mind not conforming to the world by consciously practicing righteousness. “Little children, let no one deceive you. He who practices righteousness is righteous.” (1 John.3:7) Righteousness is the character trait of our Lord Jesus Christ. The more he practices the character trait of Jesus Christ, the more he gets used to things of the Father and far from conforming to the world. Regular study of the word of God and constant prayers of faith will not allow one to conform with the world. The word of God that gives illumination of the revelation in the word of God transforms and renew the mind. One can sustain the transformation and renewal of mind with constant prayers of faith that is according to the word and will of God. In conclusion, the Holy Spirit helps to get the mind renewed. It also takes gradual process which includes, deliberate setting one’s mind on God and things of God, practicing righteousness of Jesus Christ, regular studying of the word of God, constant prayers of faith and above all, the genuine willingness to have one’s mind renewed will help one not to be conformed to the world. Evangelism When our mind is renewed, it is transformed and become conformed to the image of God by which we can boldly tell others about the gospel of Jesus Christ. Rev. Shobayo Kayode The Gospel Study Centre