The Big Squeeze

The Big Squeeze
by Rachel S

Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect. Romans 12:2 (NLT)

Do not allow this world to mold you in its own image. Instead, be transformed from the inside out by renewing your mind. As a result, you will be able to discern what God wills and whatever God finds good, pleasing, and complete. Romans 12:2 (VOICE)

As I read this verse today, I thought about the square watermelons, which are popular in Japan. Typically, fruit is round and that’s because it’s juicy. Comparing shapes, spheres have the smallest surface area with the greatest volume capacity. That’s a nerdy way explaining why fruit tends to be roundish in shape—that shape is efficient—less surface area decreases water loss, more volume capacity allows more space for juicy, fleshy fruit to protect and nourish the seeds.
For fruit, round is good. Unless you need to pack or stack it—then round is not very efficient. For stacking, squares are nice. The gardener who longs for whimsy or stacking efficiency can grow fruits and vegetables in many shapes. It only requires a container placed around the fruit. As the fruit grows in size, it will conform to the shape of the container instead of keeping its natural shape.

Don’t conform, be transformed—that’s God’s command.   Don’t get squeezed into a shape God didn’t intend for you. I don’t know about you, but I feel the pressure.
Transformation—the simple definition is change. NOT CHANGE! I dislike change. No, I HATE change. A transformed, living sacrifice of reasonable service—that sounds painful and complicated. I’ve tried to change many of my habits—I can do it for awhile—but I usually flop back into my old way of being or acting. Come on—I’m not the only one.

Look closely at this familiar verse. It’s God’s job to transform me. It’s my job to avoid conforming to the pattern or shape of this world by changing the way I think. Honestly, Romans 12:2 is impossible without Romans 12:1. Brethren —this isn’t the stuff of non-believers. This isn’t for those who want to dabble with church or religious notions. This change, the living sacrifice, the reasonable service—all of it has its beginnings in the work of Christ. God’s loving mercy is the motivating factor. Knowing and doing God’s will is the outcome.
I grew up in a strict home. When I was very young, I wore dresses and had long hair—that’s what good Christian women were supposed to do. No one in my home smoked, drank alcohol, danced, went to movies, and we didn’t play cards. Was that good or bad? Not smoking is good. Not going to some movies is good. Not being drunk is good. Long hair and dresses—I don’t know. If you like long hair, it’s good. If you’re comfortable in your clothes and your clothes are modest—pants, skirts, dresses—I don’t think it matters. I’ve played cards with many good people—people who qualify as Brethren.
How does not being conformed to this world look? The rules that govern a believer’s outward appearance wasn’t Paul’s concern. Paul, throughout his letter, mentions the mind. In the beginning, Paul wrote about the depraved mind.  The mind that was at odds with, and an enemy of God.  Later he contrasted the mind set on the flesh and the mind set on peace. The underlying theme in Romans: get your mind right.
Don’t let the temporal things of this age distract you from the things that are eternal.

Father, thank you for Your transforming power. When I’m content to stay just the way I am, let me se the value of being changed by You.