Cultural Tension for the Sincere Believer.  Romans 12.2

“Here lies the tension we all feel.  Our theology is defined by Jesus, but our lives are defined by some other lord . . .” Paul said “To live is Christ, but to die is gain.”1  Much of today’s world, especially the “American version says, "To live is gain, to die is Christ"—live now and accumulate all you can in terms of wealth, pleasure, sexual experience, luxury, privilege, and fun, and when you die, you get to go to heaven, too, and do it all over again, except better. Our story has been co-opted.”2  Note:  I like to credit my sources at the end of the Morning Briefings, but this article is so good, I wish to do it here: “Breaking the Mold,” by Jon Tyson, Leadership Journal, June 13, 2011.  I read this article several times because it is so powerful. Just click on the link on p.2 to view it.

Now … please permit me to illustrate Romans 12.2 in three different translations—quite interesting. 

“And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God” New King James Version

“Don’t become like the people of this world. Instead, change the way you think. Then you will always be able to determine what God really wants—what is good, pleasing, and perfect.” God’s Word Translation

“Do not be conformed to this world (this age), [fashioned after and adapted to its external, superficial customs], but be transformed (changed) by the [entire] renewal of your mind [by its new ideals and its new attitude], so that you may prove [for yourselves] what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God, even the thing which is good and acceptable and perfect [in His sight for you].”  Amplified Bible

To view different translations: http://www.biblegateway.com

Not to repeat myself, but it is important to know the context of the Scripture we are studying; Paul was in Corinth, writing to the church at Rome.  Think of it—the Romans viewed religion as a social activity that promoted unity and loyalty to the Roman state, rather than the God of Creation.  Enter the Christian gospel—Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth and the life.  No one comes to the father except through me.”3   Christians would not bow their knees to Caesar as lord, so Rome viewed them as subversive.  To be sure, Jesus’ message was opposed to much of what Rome represented—power, position, greed, immorality, conformity to the culture.  Hey, does that sound familiar?  Yes!  Rome was much like our culture today.  And Rome was hostile to Christianity; under the rule of Nero, Christians were executed for sport—human torches used to light Nero’s parties.

Paul writes to his fellow believers from Greece, (Corinth is about 48 miles west of Athens)4, saying, ‘My Christian brothers, be different—don’t just be the same as the pagans among whom you live.  Stand out.  Pledge allegiance to Jesus Christ alone; it might cost you, but you will reap blessings through eternity.’  Do not conform, be transformed.

ways to be transformed and have your mind renewed:   1.  Be transformed by immersing yourself in understanding and applying God’s Word in your life.  Ask God to speak to you from his word.  (Not sure where to start?  Read about Jesus’ life, miracles, and teaching in one of the gospels)

2.  Be transformed by becoming part of an intimate body of like-minded believers.  How large a group--half a dozen people maybe?  A small group from your church?  Maybe.  Depends . . . do the members have permission to hold you accountable?  Do they come alongside you and encourage you when you are weak or battered by the world?  ‘A cord of three strands is not easily broken.’5  Do you have a small community that will pray with you and for you?  Hmmm . . . Do you participate in anything that fits the ‘irons sharpens iron’ quotient in your life?  ‘As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.’6 

Do you see how these two ways might help you break out of the mold of our culture, move into a pattern of positive change and growth? 

Christine

1  Philippians 1.21

2  http://www.christianitytoday.com/le/2011/spring/breakingmold.html?start=3

3  John 14.6

4  www.sacred-destinations.com

5 Ecclesiastes 4.12

6 Proverbs 27.17

Another source – www. Religionfacts.com