Do not conform 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.
Have you ever heard the phrase, “Think outside the box?”
This is Paul’s version.
Having a preconceived idea is sometimes the hardest part of thinking. It tends to have you thinking about the expected answer without looking at the situation clearly.
“If all you have is a hammer, everything you see looks like a nail.”
Paul is telling the Romans to be careful about being so closely conformed to the desires -- expectations -- values -- and traditions of this world. If they (or we) have the world in their (our) hearts, then it will be all too easy to rationalize -- justify -- excuse -- gloss over the times they (we) stray from God’s Will.
In the previous verse, Paul told the Romans that even offering their bodies as a living sacrifice to God was their true and proper worship. What he was telling them, was that they should not even consider themselves as their own -- but God’s. Who they were -- and what they had -- belonged to God.
If we follow Paul’s advice, we will look closely at all things from the perspective of God’s Will.
This means everything!
Have you considered whether you daily work is conflicting with God’s Will? -- Does it cause you to miss worship services? -- Tend to cause small “compromises” with what you know is right? -- Place you in situations that are not “healthy” for your spiritual growth?
How about your friends and associates? -- Is your influence on them moving you both closer to God -- or are they working against you, hindering your progress?
Examine your hobbies, recreation and all your personal pursuits. -- Do they glorify God, strengthen your spirit, magnify your efforts to further the Lord’s work -- or just satiate your desires?
Colossians 3:1-4: Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.
