And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. Romans 12:2
Conformed Gr. to fashion alike, i.e. conform to the same pattern (figuratively): — conform to, fashion self according to. Strong.
While we only ever endorse the King James Version of the Bible here, some of us will remember the launch of the J.B.Phillips’ translation, and may even still have a copy in our personal library.
The most quoted verse ever from this version was our key text, which he had translated as -
Don’t let the world squeeze you into it’s mold…
It is now that we must keep ourselves and our children unspotted from the world. It is now that we must wash our robes of character and make them white in the blood of the Lamb. It is now that we must overcome pride, passion, and spiritual slothfulness. It is now that we must awake and make determined effort for symmetry of character. “Today if ye will hear His voice, harden not your hearts.” We are in a most trying position, waiting, watching for our Lord's appearing. The world is in darkness. “But ye, brethren,” says Paul, “are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief.” It is ever God's purpose to bring light out of darkness, joy out of sorrow, and rest out of weariness for the waiting, longing soul.
What are you doing, brethren, in the great work of preparation? Those who are uniting with the world are receiving the worldly mold and preparing for the mark of the beast. Those who are distrustful of self, who are humbling themselves before God and purifying their souls by obeying the truth—these are receiving the heavenly mold and preparing for the seal of God in their foreheads. When the decree goes forth and the stamp is impressed, their character will remain pure and spotless for eternity.
Now is the time to prepare. The seal of God will never be placed upon the forehead of an impure man or woman. It will never be placed upon the forehead of the ambitious, world-loving man or woman. It will never be placed upon the forehead of men or women of false tongues or deceitful hearts. All who receive the seal must be without spot before God—candidates for heaven. Go forward, my brethren and sisters. I can only write briefly upon these points at this time, merely calling your attention to the necessity of preparation. Search the Scriptures for yourselves, that you may understand the fearful solemnity of the present hour. 5T 216
Another angle to consider, is this text regarding Christ, our Potter:
But now, O Lord, Thou art our Father; we are the clay, and Thou our Potter; and we all are the work of Thy hand. Isaiah 64:8
There was also the old hymn…
Thou art the Potter, I am the clay,
Mold me and make me after Thy will,
While I am waiting, yielded and still.
With our minds transformed we willingly leave all earthly, mundane and worldly attachments and allow Christ to mold or fashion us according to His will; ready to receive the seal of God. Then the four winds of strife will be released (Revelation 7:1-4) and we will be going Home!
