“Don’t let the world around you squeeze you into its own mould, but let God re-make you…” (Rom. 12:2 Phillips)
Part Two
The King James Version says: “…be not conformed (schema) to this world: but be ye transformed (morphe) by the renewing of your mind….” Renewal of the mind is an integrated part and natural consequence of the New Birth.
One language expert has defined this transformation as “undergoing a complete change which, under the power of God, will find expression in character and conduct. Morphe lays stress on the inward change, while schema lays stress on the outward.”
Today we are considered “real squares” if we don’t keep up with current trends. Yet to truly “keep up” with all the latest and ever-changing fads, fashions, styles, and hit songs would require a 24-hour-a-day concentration.
Paul implies here that there is a certain amount of phoniness in the whole world system. He declares that conforming to the world’s transient patterns is not for the Christian.
Instead, the believer is to be transformed.
To be transformed is to be “turned on to the Lord,” lit up with His light, joy, glory, and honor. To be transformed is to unashamedly yet unpretentiously love the Lord with all one’s heart, soul, mind, and strength.
The transformed Christian is not overly concerned about the world’s opinion of him because he knows that this world will soon pass away. Linked to eternity, he has been translated into a new dimension of living with a new priority list and a new value system. What a change!
Excerpt permission granted by Harrison House Publishers
Dick Mills was ordained at The International Church of the Foursquare Gospel in 1949. He and his wife Betty traveled as evangelists all over the United States, Canada, Mexico, Latin America, Europe, and Australia. Dick and Betty are now home in heaven.
In 1966 Dick and Betty became a part of the then-emerging Charismatic Renewal. Passing through all denominational barriers, Dick has had the opportunity to speak in thousands of churches of varied backgrounds all over the world.
He ministered within several Christian organizations, including the Full Gospel Business Men, Women's Aglow, Inter-church Renewal Catholic Pentecostals, mainline Charismatic groups, CBN and TBN television networks, and many other independent Christian TV stations.
Dick appeared on numerous radio talk shows, written several magazine articles, and spoke at many Bible conferences and universities. He served as an adjunct professor at six Schools of the Bible and Seminaries.
In addition, Dick authored and co-authored several books and tapes. Dick's ministry was characterized by the unique gifts God has blessed him with. His services informed, enlightened, and motivated people to a higher level of commitment to God.