“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 of what God’s will is- His good, pleasing and perfect will.” – Romans 12:2 NIV

Have you ever read Romas 12:2 and reflected on what is meant by “patterns of this world?” I was in a church service recently and our attention was brought to this verse, which for some reason got me thinking. I wonder what the world looked like through Paul’s perspective when he was writing to the Romans two thousand years ago? I wonder what traits, tendencies and patterns reflected then that we still mirror to this day? What did Paul mean exactly by “patterns of this world?” What did he mean when he said the “renewing of your mind?” How can this transformation of our mind help us test and approve of God’s will?

My thoughts….

Bad stuff happens, so I don’t think we need to focus on those “worldly things,” as I would assume we all realize we shouldn’t conform that direction. I can say however that negativity often seems to be a center of focus for many of us, even when we don’t realize it. Gossip, judging, shaming, selfishness, lack of forgiveness or just straight up anger are all examples of how we can feed on negativity. Short term this might feel empowering or exciting in a human way, yet hopefully we can all agree that long term these “patterns” only lead to pain, hurt and darkness. What about some of the good things like loving relationships, finally getting that promotion, having children (so I’ve heard), or even the simple blissful moments throughout our day? How about the feeling of standing on top of a mountain overlooking a valley below, which is possessed by an array of colors seemingly displaying the splendor of life itself? I think if we could all “conform to patterns of this world” that brought more of these amazing moments we admittedly would. Many patterns are good, many indifferent and many destructive. Yet what pattern is always present in “this world” that Paul may have been referring to? I could only come up with one: everything is born new and eventually returns to a place of death and decay. Some would call this “the circle of life.” Nothing in this world is everlasting….. right?

The “merry-go-round” of this world for many of us looks something like this (simplified version of course): be a kid, get good grades, graduate, get a job, get promoted, meet that “special someone,” get married, buy a home, have children, raise “good children,” eventually retire, etc..

All of these things can be amazing experiences, yet isn’t it ironic that when we reach certain milestones we still feel like something is lacking? Perhaps I’m the only one?

Here is another example I find pretty regularly, admitting of course that I’ve been here myself: Perhaps a new suit will help me feel better? Maybe moving into a new place? Maybe buying a new car? Maybe switching jobs? Maybe getting in better shape, or perhaps the opposite- scarfing that brownie sitting in the kitchen (or more often in my case the beer in the fridge)- yeah that will do it. Just keep buying, getting, possessing, eating/drinking and obtaining more in “this world” and perhaps I’ll get to a point that I finally feel complete…

Nope… something deep down at our core still seems to be missing. When everything externally looks pretty good, even in the most blissful times, we still seem to be searching for some deeper meaning or connection. Have you ever felt this way even during the truly solid times? I certainly have. My soul still cries out for more true peace, growth and fulfillment to fill the void that recognition, praise, possessions, other people or even money seemingly cannot. I don’t believe Paul was saying we shouldn’t enjoy some Earthly things. I do however believe he was saying the only way to really feel transformed/renewed is by connecting to our TRUE PURPOSE IN LIFE….GOD!

Here’s a thought- what if the unexplained void of fulfillment we all seek is actually the “renewing of our mind,” as Paul writes in Romans 12:2? What if the “transformation” to focus on Godly things instead of focusing on “the circle of life” is our real purpose in life? What if dialing into a relationship with Him that transcends our depth of understanding is the real ticket to peace, happiness and joy? What if our focus is supposed to be on God instead of our perception of what “this world” wants from us, or what we can gain from “this world?” Another question- how could we “test and approve” of God’s will unless we were actually CONNECTED to God- like literally? How could I, a mere human, “test and approve” of anything so Divine as God’s “good, pleasing and perfect will?” The only possibility I can think of would be if I was so “tuned in” to God that I could literally live my life directed not by my own footsteps, yet by the footsteps of The Shepard Himself. That I am literally tapped into God within myself via The Holy Spirit and experiencing Him moment by moment. TRANSFORMATION via the RENEWAL of our mind, by changing the way we think, by conforming to our spiritual calling over focusing on worldly patterns which always have an end date. All to experience a bond with God so deep that we can experience more of “His good, pleasing and perfect will.” Seems like pretty sound advice to me!