How Christian Transformation Renews Our Understanding and Impacts the World
Introduction: What Does “Being Not Conformed” Mean?
Ever heard the phrase, “Don’t be conformed to this world”? It pops up a lot in Christian conversations, but what does it really mean? Most people think it’s about avoiding certain habits or sticking to a different set of rules. But what if the real message is much deeper—about changing the way we actually see and understand everything around us?
Transformation of Understanding: Beyond Changing Methods
True change isn’t just about swapping out old habits for new ones or finding better ways to do things. It’s about a complete transformation in how we understand people, situations, and even ourselves. If we only change our methods but keep the same way of seeing the world, nothing really changes at the core. The gospel calls us to a renewal that starts in our minds, giving us a fresh lens through which to view life.
Seeing Through the Light of Christ: New Clarity and Perspective
Imagine putting on a pair of glasses that changes everything you see—colors become brighter, and details sharper. That’s what happens when we view life in the light of Jesus Christ. Suddenly, things that were confusing or dull make sense. People aren’t just faces in a crowd; situations aren’t just problems to fix—they’re opportunities to see God at work. This new clarity doesn’t come from learning new tricks; it comes from letting Christ reshape our understanding.
Loving God with All Thought: More Than Study or Ministry
When Jesus said to love God with all your heart, soul, and mind, He wasn’t just talking to future pastors or theologians. Loving God with our thought/heart means dedicating our thinking to God’s work in the world. It’s about choosing to see and process everything in a way that honors Him. This isn’t just about reading more theology books or teaching Sunday school. It’s about letting every idea, opinion, and decision filter through our love for God.
God’s Work in the World: Political and Psychological Impact
This kind of renewal affects everything—including politics and psychology. When we let God transform our understanding, we start to see political issues not just as arguments to win, but as chances to bring God’s justice and mercy to life. Psychologically, we move beyond just self-help and into a deeper healing that comes from God’s truth. Our thinking, when aligned with God’s work, brings real change—change that isn’t just skin deep, but goes to the heart and mind.
What Pleases God: Examples of True and False Change
Let’s be real—not every change is pleasing to God. Revolutions that hurt people, tear down communities, or spread hatred aren’t the kind of change God wants. Empty promises or words that don’t actually help others aren’t loving our neighbor. True transformation aligns with God’s will—it builds up, heals, and brings genuine goodness. It’s done with care, aiming to please God and be done well.
· Aligns with God’s Will: Feeding the hungry, seeking justice, showing mercy.
· Does Not Align: Causing harm in the name of change, ignoring people’s real needs, using words without action.
Conclusion: The Christian Attitude of “Staying” in the World
So, if we take this call seriously—if we truly renew our understanding and dedicate our thoughts to God’s work—what should our attitude be in the world? It’s not about escaping or hiding from the world’s problems, but “staying” in them with a transformed heart and mind. We’re called to be present, to see with Christ’s clarity, and to love God not just with what we do, but with how we think. That’s how the gospel changes us—and through us, changes the world.
The challenge is simple but profound: Will we let God shape not just our actions, but our understanding? That’s the real meaning of “being not conformed”—and it’s how we become agents of true change, pleasing to God and powerful for good.
Minister A Francine Green
November 2025
afrancinegreen.com 