Conformer or Transformer?

Are you a conformer or a transformer? Either you will be conformed to this world, or you will transform the world.

The apostle Paul wrote, “Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect” (Romans 12:2 NLT).

You can decide to not stand out in any way, or you can decide to be a light for Jesus Christ.

Psalm 84:11 tells us, “The Lord will withhold no good thing from those who do what is right” (NLT). If the Lord tells you not to do something, then He is trying to keep you from a bad thing. Because if it was a good thing, He would give it to you.

Psalm 34:8 says, “Taste and see that the Lord is good. Oh, the joys of those who take refuge in him!” (NLT).

Now, our definition of good might be different than God’s definition of good. Our definition of good probably is something along the lines of what’s fun, pleasurable, free of pain, and in the moment.

But God’s definition of good may be what is productive, character forming, and eternally focused. There are things we go through that are not enjoyable at the moment, but they’re producing something that is far greater.

We look at the small picture; God looks at the big picture. We look at the here and now; God looks at the by and by.

His will for us is good, even though it might be difficult at times. One day we’ll see that. But until that day, we have to trust the Lord. So present yourself to God. Don’t be conformed to this world.