Don’t Conform-Transform

A recent survey revealed that America’s youth now spend, on average, over seven-and-a-half hours each day involved in electronic media. And that number doesn’t include the amount of time spent texting or talking on cell phones. The problem is that a lot of that time spent in front of media screens will influence them in the wrong way.

The Bible tells us to fill our minds with the things of God. Philippians 4:8 says, “Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.”

Romans 12:2 tells us, “Do not be conformed to this world. . . . ” As the J. B. Phillips translation puts it, “Don’t let the world around you squeeze you into its own mould [sic].” The word “conformed” refers to the act of assuming an outward appearance that does not accurately reflect that which is within. Of course, we all just want to fit in. We don’t want to be thought of as dorks, nerds, fools, or idiots. We don’t want to be classified as uncool. So we will do things that we think others want us to do. But let’s not try to appear to be of this world when we are not.

By “this world,” Romans 12:2 means a culture, a mentality, a way of thinking that is largely hostile to God. As 1 John 2:16 tells us, “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.”

Remember, God’s will is better than our own. His will is good and acceptable and perfect.