This week, Norma Jean and I are in Marion, Indiana, where I’m preaching in a meeting at the Woodland Hills Church. In addition to the evening assemblies, I’ve been teaching morning classes on “Developing the Mind of Christ.”
This series is based on Philippians 2:5, where Paul admonished, “Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus.” The NASU renders it: “Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus.”
To have the mind of Christ, in this context, is to be submissive and selfless. It is a spiritual attitude that shows itself in humble, sacrificial actions.
Every day we face two choices: be conformed to the world, or be transformed into the image of Christ.
That’s why Paul urged in Romans 12:2, “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”
Henry Thayer says “conformed” means “having the same form as another.” A. T. Robertson observed that this is not merely outward, but inward conformity. Or as J. B. Phillips famously paraphrased it: “Don’t let the world around you squeeze you into its own mould, but let God re-mould your minds from within.”
There is, however, another kind of conformity—the one God desires.
Romans 8:29 declares, “For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son.” The CEV simply says, “to become like His own Son.”
Other passages echo this same call.
“But like the Holy One who called you, be holy yourselves in all your behavior” (1 Pet. 1:15).
“For you have been called for this purpose… leaving you an example to follow in His steps” (1 Pet. 2:21).
Yet let’s be honest—this is not easy.
It’s challenging, demanding, and often difficult—especially when our flesh pulls us in the opposite direction. Our natural instincts urge us to do our own thing, to please ourselves, and to follow what seems right in our own eyes. The world tells us to look out for #1 and to define truth on our own terms.
God’s call is radically different.
He calls us to deny ourselves, to rise above the pull of the world, and to cultivate lives marked by self-control, self-restraint, and self-sacrifice.
To be conformed to Christ means to think like Him—to have His heart, to feel as He felt, and to act as He acted. It means growing spiritually, focusing on the Father’s will, and being governed by the Spirit rather than the flesh.
And imagine the difference that would make.
Happier homes.
Stronger marriages.
Safer neighborhoods.
Kinder interactions—even with difficult people.
Being conformed to Christ helps us give others the benefit of the doubt. It makes us more patient, more compassionate, more forgiving, and more loving.
It would even reshape how we view authority—our attitude toward political leaders, government officials, and even laws we may not like. “Render unto Caesar” becomes less of a burden and more of a willing act of obedience.
Families would be strengthened. Misunderstandings between parents and children would be resolved. Husbands and wives would more faithfully fulfill their God-given roles. Young people would be guided toward lives of holiness and purpose.
Even church business meetings would be different. When hearts are conformed to Christ, there is less discord and more unity. Less pride and more humility. Less friction and more grace.
And then there’s social media.
What would change if we were truly conformed to Christ?
Our posts would be more gracious.
Our disagreements more respectful.
Our words far less likely to wound.
The truth is, we are all being shaped every day—either by the world or by Christ.
Being conformed to Christ is a lifelong process. It’s a journey of growth, not perfection. We are all still being molded, still learning, still striving.
It’s not easy.
But the rewards are out of this world.
And the choice is ours.
—Ken Weliever, The Preacherman
ThePreachersWord 