“Do not conform any longer 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 

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JULY 30, 2025

Paul continued his letter with instructions on what it means to present one’s body as a living sacrifice, which is to say “Worship impacts how we live.” His first admonition was to stop being molded and shaped by the pattern of this world. Secular governments, commercial interests in general, and popular culture are under the influence of Satan, the prince of this world. These systems constantly attempt to influence and control us, their constituencies. Politicians try to sway public opinion. Advertisement is a blatant effort to alter consumer behavior to maximize earnings. Celebrities promote their personal world views. The pattern of this world is laden with moral compromise, materialism, and indulgence of the flesh.  

Darkness is pervasive and resists the light. Those who stop conforming to the pattern of this world are recognizably different and therefore under pressure to dim their light. Satan will seek to minimize godly influence. The devil is adamantly opposed to the gospel.  

If this is the situation we face as living sacrifices, what are we to do? Psalm 15 lists a series of habits that characterize a worshipper who has stopped conforming to the pattern of this world. Such an individual demonstrates a walk that is blameless, indicating absolute integrity. They do what is righteous; not only do they refuse evil but they are proactive in doing good to their neighbor. Their speech is devoid of any slander or slurs. They can be trusted completely by the people in their lives. They hate evil, but they honor the godly. Their word can be relied upon, even if fulfilling a promise works to their own disadvantage. They are generous with their resources and will refuse any attempt to compromise the truth.  

The only way to stop conforming to the pattern of this world is to be a true worshipper of the Lord, keeping Him the priority of our lives. None of us does this without mistakes and failures, but the gospel constantly proclaims that in Jesus we have forgiveness and therefore we stand in His grace. Our mission is to bring heaven to earth through living transformed lives and telling our stories, sharing Jesus and His love.  

Questions for reflection and discussion:  

  • How does your worship of the Lord impact your life?  
  • What specific patterns of this world pressure you to conform? What do you need to do to stop conforming?  
  • What encouragement, or maybe what conviction, have you received from others who have stopped conforming to the pattern of this world?   

Church Reading Plan: Judges 13; Acts 17