Escaping the World’s mold: A call to transformation

The pervasive cultural pressure of conformity is persistent. Over time one becomes oblivious to the world squeezing him into its mold. Thought, talk, and even dress is filtered through conformism. Satan’s domain is this world, and conformity is his tool. Why else would a culture be so lost in keeping up with the “Joneses”? It is easily propagated.

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

Scripture speaks of a transforming work by the Spirit of God in us, wherein the Bible is the means by which our minds are changed.

TRAINING FOR GODLINESS

Spiritual development does not happen by chance. Thus, the importance of biblical training. I will never forget my How to Study the Bible class (HTSTB) at Carolina College of Biblical Studies (CCBS). It was the first class for my associate degree and the transformation in that semester was mindboggling. Reading the Bible hasn’t been the same; the transforming work of the Holy Spirit was palpable!

God’s Word was the scales and CCBS became my gymnasium.  

“…train yourself for godliness;” 1 Timothy 4:7

My favorite part of studying Scripture is conducting word studies, which I learned in the HTSTB class. Through a word study I learned the significance of the term “train.” In the Greek it is the word gumnazo and the transliteration for our word “gymnasium.” Some of my fondest memories as a teen took place in the school’s gymnasium. I loved basketball but it certainly took training, and not all training was fun. Often our coach had us running sprints to get in shape. Many times, pain was a byproduct of training or even playing, several sprained ankles occurred!

TRANSFORMED BY THE TRUTH

When we allow the Holy Spirit to transform our thinking and step back from the things of this world (and Satan) to pursue Christ with our whole hearts, it can be painful at times. Our transformation may be offensive to some, and we incur hostility. But God helps in every instance as we grow stronger internally!

Scripture speaks of a transforming work by the Spirit of God in us, wherein the Bible is the means by which our minds are changed.

So don’t allow Satan to squeeze you into this world’s mold of thinking that studying the Bible is too difficult or only for those in ministry. Satan wants to keep you captive. Thankfully, the work of the cross annihilated his power, and you are free to be transformed by the holy Scriptures. Sign up for godly training at CCBS! Begin the process to renew your mind by diving into the Word of God!

The Bible is the greatest book! It is our manual for living a life of nonconformity and realigning our thinking. As the Spirit of God transforms us from the inside out, we can live a life reflecting not the Joneses but Christ Himself!

Once again, Kellie and Kristin took my work and edited and added graphic design making it look and sound professional. I am indebted to them! (Article included in the Fall 2025 publication of the Common Ground.)