Conformed or Transformed? Which Are You?

“Squish it in like this,” I instructed Lauren, my 3-year-old granddaughter, “and then press the lever hard. See how it comes out the other end in a big, long tube.” 

I was showing Lauren how to use a play dough extruder – the toy that allows you to stuff a wad of play dough in one end and squeeze it out into a variety of shapes. Following my instructions, she pressed out a long, star-shaped log that she sliced into ten identical pieces.

At the other end of the table, my husband was rolling dough with his hands to form more unique creations. So far he’d made a snowman with a hat and scarf, a man’s face, and a family of rabbits.

The contrast between Lauren’s identical stars and my husband’s one-of-a-kind creations reminded me of Romans 12:2, "Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind."

So often the world, like the play dough extruder, tries to conform us. It attempts to stuff us into its mold, apply the pressure of societal and political correctness, and squeeze out someone that looks, acts, and thinks exactly like everyone else.

In contrast, God seeks to transform us. With loving care he applies the truth of his Word to gently shape us into the best possible version of ourselves – one that looks and acts a lot like his son, Jesus. 

Which would you rather be? An identical replica conformed to this world or a unique creation transformed into God’s image?

Renewing our minds daily with God’s Word helps us position ourselves to be transformed instead of conformed. If you're feeling the press of the world today, why not spend some time in the Bible? 

Father, I invite you to lovingly transform me into the image of your Son, Jesus. Mold me, shape me, and use me for your glory.

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