by Charie Winburn

Created on: September 03, 2009   Last Updated: September 12, 2009

The phrase is often quoted "Be in the world but not of the world." Although the quote is rarely, if ever, attributed to a specific person it appears Paul had that in mind when he wrote to the Romans. Paul counseled the saints to "...be not conformed to this world; but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind..." (Romans 12:2) So, what does that really mean? How does one become "transformed" and what causes a "renewing of your mind"?

The first phrase is the easiest to understand, "...be not conformed to this world..." The world is becoming more and more corrupt every day. Immorality, violence and depravity run rampant often being represented as good and right. People who stand against evil are often ridiculed.

Young people today have a particularly difficult time distancing themselves from the world. In a local elementary school children are being expelled for carrying weapons, sexual harassment and violence toward one another. Worldliness is everywhere. So, how do we help our children successfully navigate this difficult and perilous world?

The key to their success is exactly what this scripture says, "be not conformed to this world." Although it may be difficult to understand, children need to be taught that the Lord doesn't care about popularity and conformity. Even when it seems the world will end if they cannot attend a party where drugs and alcohol are present parents must help teenagers choose a better path, even hosting their own party where wholesome activities abound.

Parents may also find themselves participating in things their parents would never have considered. The devil is smart and he is working the system well. Parents must be the example. They must show their children how to live righteously. Children want to emulate what they see at home which puts the responsibility square on the parent's shoulders.

The second phrase is a little more complex. "...Be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind..." One of the greatest scriptures on this subject is found in Ephesians 5:8. The Apostle Paul, in his address to the Ephesians, was instructing the people to avoid the uncleanness in the world. He had outlined many of the evils of the day and then wrote these insightful words, "For ye were sometimes in darkness but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light." Simply put, all people make mistakes therefore all people are "sometimes in darkness". However, through the Savior all people may also become "light in the Lord".

Again

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