Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
Romans 12:2
The Apostle Paul opens Romans 12 with a warm invitation to his brothers and sisters in faith living in Rome to offer their bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God.
He reminds them that giving our lives to God is a genuine and meaningful way to express our worship.
Apostle Paul’s exhortation also applies to all Christian believers who face the challenge of living in a secular, ungodly world, navigating the path of righteousness, and living in faithful, true obedience to God’s word.
How could we be an acceptable living sacrifice before God?
Romans 12:2 beautifully outlines the vital ingredients for transforming oneself into a living sacrifice.
- Do not conform to the patterns of this world.
- Be transformed by the renewing of your minds.
- Then you will be able to test and approve God’s good, pleasing, and perfect will.
1. Do not conform to the patterns of this world
The “patterns of this world”—characterised by values and priorties that oppose God, such as materialism, narcissism, debauchery, and vain glory—constantly tempt Christians.
Choosing not to conform may involve resisting actively and sacrificing friendships (in worst toxic circumstance, family) and environments that, in a worldly sense, satisfy the desires of the flesh but never truly fulfil the longing of the spirit.
There is joy and happiness when a true believer chooses to abandon the patterns of this world and sincerely and devotedly obey God, which is an act of sacrifice.
2. Be transformed by the renewing of your minds
“Transformed” signifies a deep and ongoing inner journey that positively alters a believer’s thoughts, values, and character, radiating Christian character joy through their actions and lifestyle.
The original Greek word for “transformed” is metamorphoō, from which “metamorphosis” is derived. Immediately, the metamorphosis of a caterpillar into a butterfly comes to mind, suggesting that transformation could be slow and painful.
Transformation in us happens through the renewing of our minds, meaning we are changing completely our outlook for the better. It is not only a matter of conformity, as one does with the patterns of this world.
Renewal of the minds means a complete overhaul, both internally and externally, as a result of seeking and asking the Holy Spirit to fall afresh in his or her life, asking Him to melt, mould, fill, and use us according to His will.
3. Be able to test and approve God’s good, pleasing, and perfect will
The verse says that the ability to discern God’s “good, pleasing, and perfect will” directly results from non-conformance with worldly patterns and transformation by one’s mental renewal.
The key to knowing and living out God’s best and perfect plan for us involves rejecting worldly patterns and embracing a renewal focused on Jesus.
Conclusion
Matthew 6:24 says that “No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.”
Thus, if you truly desire to be a living sacrifice—holy and acceptable before God—you must make a conscious and passionate commitment to leave behind worldly and sinful pursuits.
Only by wholeheartedly embracing a Godly, humble, and obedient life can you step into the fullness of God’s purpose and experience His good, pleasing, and perfect will.
The Apostle Paul’s exhortation does not merely suggest. He is making an urgent call to transformation that promises a life of meaning, fulfillment, peace, and God’s honour and glory. Amen.
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