by: Russell McLaughlin

Transformed

And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind…Romans 12:2

As disciples, we are growing up in a world where values and standards are rapidly breaking down. Christians must not allow attitudes, beliefs, values, or actions to be shaped by the world but by God. The difference between the world’s standards and God’s standards is truly night and day.

An illustration of this comes from a letter written by Ken Macey, founder of a five-store warehouse chain in Utah, describing the challenge of staffing a new store. Although over 2,000 people applied, 1,800 openly admitted they were currently stealing from employers, had stolen in the last six months, or were using illegal drugs—and many saw nothing wrong with it. This reflects a dangerous trend: people normalize wrong behavior until conscience no longer speaks.

Our young people are surrounded by peers who steal, cheat, use drugs, engage in sexual immorality, and “party”—and see nothing wrong with it. If we are not careful, we too may become desensitized. The world constantly preaches: “everybody does it,” “just do you,” “keep up with the times,” “don’t be old-fashioned.” But whose values are shaping us—God’s or the world’s?

Many lack a spiritual security system strong enough to guard their hearts. Solomon warns, “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it” (Proverbs 4:23).

God is holy, and He has called us to holiness. Peter writes, “As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had… But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do” (1 Peter 1:14–16). We are not called to be cultural Christians but counter-cultural Christians (Romans 12:1-2, 1 John 2:15-17). As we grow in the Lord, we must seek God’s values in His Word and shine as lights in a dark world.