Do not be conformed - context anyone?

Having been raised in an environment where the Bible was esteemed but not studied, I have seen my fair share of misquotes, and if I’m honest about it I’ve misquoted it many times myself. But when the Bible moves from being esteemed to being cherished, such misquotes become significant errors of indiscretion against an infinitely holy text. For that reason I want to talk about a passage that I have seen most often misquoted, and one that is very close to my heart – Romans 12:1-2.

The focus of this passage when it is quoted is usually the first words of verse two, “Do not be conformed to this world.” Many times the speaker is using this phrase in reference to a list of sins that are associated with the world and thus not a part of the Christian life.
      1. Drinking
      2. Smoking
      3. Listening to “worldly” music, etc.
The list goes on forever and ranges from menial offenses to grave transgressions. The result is a list of laws that is determined by the actions of the world and therefore should not be manifested in the life of a Christian. Furthermore, it is purported that because we cannot be conformed to the world, we must separate ourselves from them in every way possible. This is a critical mistake.

Does this verse address the actions of believers? Of course it does, but only secondarily and not in relation to the actions of the world. Let’s look at it more closely.

I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God
This sentence and the doxology at the end of chapter 11 show that Paul here is beginning a new section in his letter to the Romans. The first 11 chapters deal with theological issues, but Paul is now transitioning to the practical application of those truths in the life of the believer. So, “because of everything I have just said, and because of the grace and mercy of God…” do what?

present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship
Because of the new covenant, and in contrast to the sacrifices of the Old Testament, believers are commanded to offer themselves as living sacrifices which is the only logical thing to do. (“reasonable/spiritual” comes from the Greek word for “logical", λογικός)

This brings us to verse two and the heart of the issue. Now that we have been commanded to offer ourselves to God, verse two shows us how we are to go about doing that.

Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed
This is a negative command followed by a positive assertion. “Do not do this, but do this.” This is a very clear statement that is easy to understand, but the problem is it doesn’t tell us how…yet. By taking this phrase away from the rest of the verse we are able to make it into anything we want. “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by not (insert worldly action)” becomes the basis for a set of rules. “Do not do drugs, the world does that” has the same authority as, “Do not chew gum, the world does that.” Fortunately however, Paul didn’t write this phrase without a context, finish the sentence.

Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.
There’s not a list of things here that we must do in order to not be conformed to the world, it is one thing, and it’s not even an external action. How do we fulfill the command? By renewing our minds, by not thinking like the world, by allowing the Holy Spirit to change our thought processes from the inside out, applying a spiritual wisdom that is not of this world.

that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect
Now our actions come into the picture. When our minds are continually renewed and placed in line with God, then we will be able to discern the proper actions. The actions of a Christian that make him a “living sacrifice” are not determined by the actions of the world, but rather by a Christ-centered mind. God’s law is not based on what the world says is right or wrong but solely on his infinite wisdom that flows from his irreproachable character and is revealed to his children through the Holy Spirit and the written Word.

Standing against a moral wrong is one thing; placing the definitions of sin in the hands of the world by misquoting God is something altogether different. Man’s purpose is not to explain the Scriptures in a way that suits him; it’s the purpose of the Scriptures to explain man in relation to an absolute standard – let's be careful with them.