Romans 12:1-2

“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that you may discern what is the will of God—what is good and acceptable and perfect.” vs. 2

In recent years countless entrepreneurial types have discovered they can make millions of dollars by using social media to advertise products of various kinds to their followers. They simply take a video of themselves, well made-up and looking beautiful, showing how their life is being enhanced by particular brands of clothing, beauty products, or music. There are endless opportunities for photogenic folks, and companies pay well for the exposure.

The scheme works because we love to conform ourselves to the world–and we can be counted on to imitate those we admire. That’s the way humans operate, and Paul knew it well. And he pleaded with his readers not to be conformed to this world, but to be transformed by the renewing of their minds. 

Paul believed that this internal spiritual discernment would reveal the will of God for every person, i.e. those things that are good and acceptable and perfect. Paul’s insight is right on. We don’t discover the beauty of creation through attachment to social media and conformity to the world. Discerning the will of God comes slowly through the transformation of our minds by the power of the Holy Spirit. And it has nothing to do with the brands we use or wear!

Thought for the Day: How am I being transformed?