“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
In our modern world, living life to the fullest means doing things to make yourself feel good. People live fast and play hard, often sacrificing quality of life to live like everyone else. As Christians, we know we should not conform to society’s standards. We are called to a higher purpose and a steeper standard of living. Instead, we are called to lives as believers, constantly staying true to God’s word. But what does ‘living like a believer’ mean? Should we emulate the lives of our pastors or other religious teachers? Should we follow only the guidelines of our religions and ignore everything else?
In one of his letters to the Romans, Paul takes the time to address this very issue. During this time, there were very specific disagreements between Gentile Christians and Jewish Christians. Contentious arguments occurred and although both groups believed in the ministry of Christ, they did not agree how that should look in daily life. Paul admonished them, calling both groups out and reminding them that as Christians, they are called to conform only to Christ’s standards and no one else’s.
This message remains true for us today. In a time of instant gratification and living for the pursuit of pleasure, we are reminded to conform ourselves only to Christ’s standards. And this is only accomplished through the study of His word and the application of those words to our lives.