In part I of this devotional, I shared the difference between conformity and transformation, and in part II, I wrote about the difference between imitating rather than following people to learn for a season. Today, I’ll pull those truths together to share what God is looking for us individually. Part IV of devotional will be about our corporate unity that is established on our individual transformation.
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. Romans 12:2
The scripture in Romans 12:2 tells us not to be conforming to the world but allowing our minds to be transformed. In order to develop true unity, we need to find our identity in the person of Christ. We also need to challenge our view of unity according to the Bible rather than our upbringing or the messages we heard from those around us.
For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren. Romans 8:29
In Romans 8:29, Paul urges us to be conformed to the image of Christ. We were born in the image of God. Sin marred that image, and we lost sight of true righteousness and holiness. God sent Jesus to us as the perfect example of what He desires His children to become for His intended original purpose. The scripture tells us that we are to have the mind of Christ.
Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ. 1Corinthians 11:1 (KJV)
In 1 Corinthians 11:1, Paul tells us to follow him, as he follows Christ. Jesus is the blueprint of what God is looking for in His people. Jesus made the way for us to escape the corruption of the old nature, in order to freely follow Christ and model our lives after Him.
When every believer is willing to go through the process of transformation, we are in a better position to be in unity with others without having to conform to others. I will continue with this subject in the next devotional.
