Contrary To Culture
This verse expresses two truths that can absolutely revolutionize the life of the believer who grasps them: we can be changed so much that we are actually transformed, and as a result, we can discern God’s will.
The first part of this verse confronts us with “the pattern of this world.” Certainly one of the glaring realities of our world today is the pluralism that insists any belief is equal to any other belief.
Because of this acceptance of all things as true, the establishment of moral absolutes seems too rigid for our culture to tolerate.
The “pattern” of ever-growing self-actualization has elevated individualism to a place of honor in the ranks of desirable human characteristics.
As long as any individual’s beliefs do not hurt others, society considers them valid and acceptable.
There is no common measure of what is true and what is false, allowing a multitude of philosophies and doctrines to coexist.
The problem with this attitude for the Christian is that the claims of Christ render judgment—an appalling word in a world that values personal prerogative above all else.
The pattern of today’s world insists on multiple views of a greater power that often resembles God, but God is the loving grandfather in the sky.
We as believers in the powerful God of Scripture must wrestle with this tempting image and embrace God as we know his Word reveals him.
And we can do that because the amazing characteristic of God that coexists with judgment is grace.
Grace, most dramatically displayed in the cross, is what beckons our thoughts toward renewal—toward a “renewed mind.” The verb renew comes from a Greek word that means to “remember again,” as in thinking back to the moment we understood and accepted the gospel.
It is the comprehension of God’s grace and mercy that transforms our thinking from self-centered to Christ-centered.
The very fact that we can change our minds while living in an environment that so counters Christianity is a powerful and exciting truth.
And the bonus that transformed thinking brings is to be able to “test and approve” what the will of God is.
We can navigate our lives in ways that give discernment, think in ways that are informed by the Holy Spirit, and live renewed, transformed by God’s power operating in our lives.
This kind of change doesn’t happen quickly. There is no formula that assures immediate success.
It requires the discipline of continuously going to God’s Word, reflecting, seeking counsel, and interacting with God and the Holy Spirit through prayer.
Father, thank you for access to changed thinking that transforms us into a closer reflection of your Son. Help us to be gracious to others who think differently.