To Conform or Transform, That is the Question

"Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is - his good, pleasing, and perfect will." A friend mentioned this verse a few days ago, and I have been thinking about it a lot since then. I checked a couple of things in my dictionary, and this is what I understand the verse to mean. Do not be the same as or very similar to the pattern of this world, but be altered in character, condition or nature by the making new spiritually or regenerating of your mind. This seems to be a pretty clear cut admonition to the people of God and by extension to His church as a whole. So what does it mean for the church? I think it means that we don't dispose of the pulpit in church just because some people don't realize that it is useful to give a picture of setting apart the Word of God and elevating it above everything else. It doesn't mean that the only music played or sung in a worship service has to be less than five years old. It doesn't mean that a Starbucks needs to be in the narthex. It doesn't mean that we stop using words like justification and sanctification because some people will have to go look those up after the service. It doesn't mean we stop talking about sin, its consequences, and the wonderful gift of salvation through Christ's work. Mostly, it does not mean we should put the comfort of people before the worship of our Holy Lord. The church is called to NOT follow the same pattern as the world. It is to be different. Really different. Stand out from the crowd different. That doesn't mean that Christians shouldn't care about those who are lost. They should seek to build those relationships. Volunteer in the schools, invite your neighbors to dinner, start a lunchtime discussion group at work. Get to know those around you who don't yet belong to the Lord. Share with them who He is and what He has done. Then, invite them to worship our glorious, wonderful Lord and Saviour with you at your church. Let them see just a glimpse of heaven where you worship. If God is working in their hearts, they will be back. You know they will because that is His good, pleasing, and perfect will.