One of the most common verses that is discussed in reference to transformation is found in Romans 12:2. In fact this verse of Scripture is so popular that most every believer in Christ has probably heard this verse in a Sunday morning sermon at least once in their walk with God. Usually, when this verse is used in a sermon, this verse is usually used by itself in relation with other verses to promote a "seperatist" mentality to justify some stinking thinking such as "The world wears blue suits, bless God, we are not of this world, therefore, we will wear brown suits with pink polka dots Hallelujah thank you Jesus (some speak in tongues here to "further feel the annointing")". The main focus is to seperate ourselves from ungodly living, not from life on earth. We are commanded to be not of the world, but we are here and commanded to fulfill the Great Commission in the world. However, to really understand Romans 12:2, one needs to read the entire context in reference to which this verse is taken from to fully understand the real purpose of this verse.

If we look at Romans 12:1-8 (NLT listed below) we will see:

"And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice--the kind he will accept. When you think of what he has done for you, is this too much to ask? Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will know what God wants you to do, and you will know how good and pleasing and perfect his will really is. As God's messenger, I give each of you this warning: Be honest in your estimate of yourselves, measuring your value by how much faith God has given you. Just as our bodies have many parts and each part has a special function, so it is with Christ's body. We are all parts of his one body, and each of us has different work to do. And since we are all one body in Christ, we belong to each other, and each of us needs all the others. God has given each of us the ability to do certain things well. So if God has given you the ability to prophesy, speak out when you have faith that God is speaking through you. If your gift is that of serving others, serve them well. If you are a teacher, do a good job of teaching. If your gift is to encourage others, do it! If you have money, share it generously. If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously. And if you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly."

Please Click here for part two of this article.