September 18

Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God. — Rom 12:2 BSB

As we conform to the spirit of this world, our understanding of the things of God becomes dull, our affections grow cold, and our consciences lose their tenderness. There is an eternal opposition between God and the world, which lies in wickedness. If we want our spiritual experience of God's truth to remain alive and vibrant, it cannot be dulled by worldly conformity. It’s like the saber a soldier carries into battle—it must not drag along the ground, or both its point and edge will dull. The saber must stay sharp to do its work. So it is with our understanding, our tender conscience, and our heavenly affections. If we let them fall into the ways of the world, it’s like dragging the saber along the pavement. Each step dulls both edge and point.

When we conform to this world, we lose the clear understanding of God's precious truth that we once had. We lose the tender sensitivity of our conscience, where even the smallest sin becomes a burden and grief to our soul. A Christian should live like an ancient knight, "without fear and without reproach." His shield should be free from stains, and his reputation without a blemish. His character should be untarnished, like the modesty of a woman or the honor of a brave man.

But often, we slowly slip into worldly conformity. We compromise here and there, making small concessions to the world. Though we are hedged in by the precepts of the gospel, the warnings of a tender conscience, and many powerful restraints, it’s like building a dyke to keep the sea out. In Holland, if a breach is made in the dyke, the sea rushes in. So, if we allow even a small breach in our conscience, the sea of worldliness floods in, and if not for God’s grace, it would drown our souls. Even without major temptations, our social ties, daily occupations, and relationships with friends and family—all draw us subtly toward worldly conformity.

Here is where we must make our stand. If we are conformed to the world’s maxims, principles, customs, and spirit, we lose the highest blessing and privilege of a believer: a life filled with the presence of God. We descend from the mount of communion with the Lord and fall into a cold, miserable state, where the life of God, though not extinguished, is reduced to its lowest ebb.