Heard a very powerful teaching and thought of this part of the verse in romans 12:2
Before I reveal who and what was said I would like to have some saints give what they believe the meaning of it is.
I think we all could learn a little something that needs to be corrected. I certainly did.
And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, romans 12:2
The first thing to note is that the "world" in this context, is the system created by Satan. It has been created through the people of the world. Satan keeps them bound and blind except for some who know exactly what they are doing.
We are born into this system and programmed by it. We learn how to live in the world and we are taught how get along with it. The world provides benefits for those who conform and trouble for those who do not. Some of the lies that the world teaches include:
Rebellion is a good thing, as is independence
Pride is an admirable quality
Nationalism and selfishness is good
Science is 100% dependable and has all the answers that mankind needs. Or will soon.
Morality is whatever society decides it is. There are no absolutes
Money and possessions are the key to happiness
Invest, save and hoard are good ways to get rich
Gambling is an easy path to riches.
When a person gets born again, he/she has a new spirit, where Lord Jesus lives in the Person of His Holy Spirit. The new human spirit is where God speaks, leads, teaches and if necessary, warns us. Whatever God says is perfect. The problem comes when what God is saying clashes with the preconceived notions programmed into our minds. For example we may want a better job. One comes along that seems perfect. Yet there is a sense of unease within, deeper than logic and reason. We may ignore this warning and take the job. It turns out to be a disaster.
It's a common problem with relationships. You have found the perfect match. The alarm goes off, but you ignore it. You enter a world of hurt as a result. Money is a huge problem. We've been taught to hang onto our money. God says to give and let Him take care of you. All kinds of preconceived thoughts rise up to reject God's way. I know these things through experience, invariable unpleasant.
We need our minds to be so full of God's word that we cease to argue against His will as revealed in the inner man of the spirit. God says to give to that person who is in need. Logic says, "I can't afford it!" The Word says that God will provide if we will obey. We always have a choice. If we do not know God's word, then it is much harder for us to reject human reasoning and accept God's will.
God can bring us to a place where logic and reason no longer control us. It's a process, not instantaneous. Life becomes so much easier when we no longer fight God. We learn by experience that God's ways are infinitely better than our ways.