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. Romans 12:2 NIV
When I was a kid, I loved Play-Doh! I would grab a big chunk and roll it around in my hands until it was soft and pliable, then I’d choose just the right mold and diligently press the dough into the mold until I was sure I had applied just the right amount of pressure in every area, not missing any of the edges. Next I carefully pulled the dough away from the mold and watched with anticipation to see if the pattern on the mold had completely transferred to my once shapeless chunk of play-doh. If I had neglected to press in any one area, my “piece of art,” lacked the shape I was hoping for, but if I’d applied the right amount of pressure, much to my delight, I’d created a masterpiece!
As I consider the verse above I think about how much our lives are like that play-doh . The world is always trying to squeeze us into its mold, but God doesn’t want us to take on the pattern of the world, He has something far better for us; He wants to shape us and mold us into the image of His Son. But the truth is, we will take on the characteristics of whichever mold we press into. If we want to conform to the pattern of Christ, we must press into the things of God. As we develop the spiritual disciplines of prayer, worship, Bible reading, faithful church attendance, fellowship with other believers and service, we intentionally position ourselves in the right mold. And as we diligently press into Christ, God transforms our minds and we begin to take on His thought patterns. We start seeing things through God’s perspective, and our priorities, goals and desires change.
As obedient children, do not be shaped by the desires that used to influence you when you were ignorant. Instead, be holy in every aspect of your life, just as the one who called you is holy. I Peter 1:14-15 ISV