Conforming to something, like to worldly values, is something that more or less happens to us without much effort. The word conform comes from the Latin conformare, meaning “to fashion of the same form.” It basically means to “go with the flow.” The prefix trans also has its roots in Latin, but it means “across, beyond, or through.” We cannot transform ourselves—it is beyond us—only the power of God can transform us.

Saul or Paul?

Paul’s life provides an example of moving from being conformed to being transformed. As Saul, he conformed to the pharisaical tradition of his people. He says of himself: “I persecuted God’s church to an extreme degree and tried to destroy it. . . . I was extremely zealous for the traditions of my ancestors” (Gal. 1:13–14). That was the old Saul.

Everything changed for Paul, however, after encountering God in his Damascus Road experience (see Acts 22:6–21). That was the beginning of a radical transformation that would reshape his identity and his mission. God wants to transform us too.

Bottom Line

Don’t conform to the things of the world, but allow God to transform your life to His will. What’s one area of your life that really needs transformation?