As Christians, we are supposed to be different from the rest of the world, not conforming to their beliefs or standards. Sometimes it is hard for me to tell who is a Christian because some proclaim to be believers in Christ, yet they live exactly the same way as those who don’t know the Lord as Savior. It can be confusing, but not to God. He knows who is truly is and who is trying not to conform.

The next part of this verse is to be transformed. I can’t help it. Each time I read this verse I think of the toys that my sons had when they were younger. The “Transformers” changed shape from a regular vehicle into a mighty super hero vehicle. I don’t think of myself being transformed into a super hero vehicle, but I would like to stand up for my faith in the face of some really strong adversarial positions these days. In a world where the norm is not God’s norm at all, dare to be different and stand up for what is right, regardless of ridicule. What is acceptable to mankind is not always right before God. A case in point is the homosexuality controversy. Current culture wants us all it accept the perversion as normal but God says it’s sin. I’m going along with God.

I think that the most important part of the verse is overlooked. After the not conforming and being transformed, there is a “then” statement. After you have chosen NOT to conform but to be transformed instead, THEN you will be able to discern the perfect will of God. It’s hard to know God’s will if you are living in the world and accepting its standards instead of God’s. So many people say that they want to know God’s will for their lives. Well, start by NOT being conformed and by being transformed. Then, you can stand before God and ask for Him to show you His perfect will for you. The whole thing is a process, but many of us try to put the cart before the horse. We want to know God’s will but we don’t want to change ourselves as He requires. First things first! God is a God of order, even concerning what He wants us to do before He reveals His will to us.

Have a blessed and glorious day! Be blessed to be a blessing.