Conformity 

Good morning, Beautiful People! 

Passivity leads to conformity. Paul, in Romans 12:2, urges his readers not to conform to the pattern of this world with its lusts and passions. He urges us not to fit into the world's mold. In other words, don't think and act like the world. Paul urges us to "be transformed by the renewing of your mind." How can I be transformed if I am not an active participant in the renewing process? What is the renewing process? Well, Paul builds his argument of renewal by establishing the importance of surrender. "I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God" (Romans 12:1). Regeneration of the heart and mind begins with daily surrender. Why do I surrender? Because of God's mercy towards me! I love how God always gives evidence of His goodness before He requires us to act. The same can be said about the 10 Commandments. The Israelites were called to obey the Law of love because of what God had done for them—rescued them from Egypt and slavery.   
 
God has rescued us from a greater dominion, the dominion of sin and death. In light of all that Christ has done, be transformed through surrender. The biblical definition of surrender is not arduous but a delight because it is rooted in love. When I think about all that Jesus has surrendered for me, it melts my heart. My natural response is, "I surrender, Jesus!". Conformity to the world will always leave you hungry and deprived; however, surrendering to Jesus will feed your soul and transform your life. 
 
So let go of passivity and do not conform to the pattern of this world but be transformed through surrender.