Romans 12:2 says "Do not conform to the patterns 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". Conformity is defined as behaviour in accordance to socially accepted coventions and standards. Conforming is basically a road block to transformation. Verse 1 of Romans 12 starts by telling us to present our bodies as a living sacrifice, because that's the only way we can be transformed. Transformation certainly does not occur after trying to be like others, you only end up loosing your identity and taking on other people's. Now for you to be transformed the bible says that your mind needs to be renewed. The problem with that is most people think that for their mind to be renewed they need to feed on people's opinions and philosophies. While others try to 'transform' people, mostly loved ones, by feeding them with our opinions, hoping that they will change. Although some are receptive, the truth is that the only one who can change the heart of man is God.
Paul in Galatians 1 speaking about his transformation mentions in verse 12 says "for I neither received it from man, nor was I taught it, but it came through the revelation of Jesus Christ". Now, when the heart of a man has been transformed by Jesus Christ, it says at the end of Romans 12:2 that you will be able to test and approve what God's will is- his good, pleasing and perfect will. Again in Galatians 1:22-24, Paul having been transformed by Christ and now walking with Christ for Christ was able to impact the lives of people without them even knowing who he was. They only saw and heard the good works and glorified the God in him. Of a truth, that gave Paul the opportunity to prove that God's will concerning his life was a good and perfect one. However, note that Paul in verse 16 through 17 did not "confer with flesh and blood" or follow the precepts of the apostles who had been called before him. Hence, he did not conform, but chose that the one who separated him from his mother's womb and called him through grace (Jesus Christ), reveal himself in him (Galatians 1:15).
It will be only profitable if we can truly stop trying to belong, and fully surrender, ask God to breathe upon our lives, melt our hearts of stone and use us for his glory.
