Be Not Conformed to This World (Romans 12:2) | Reject the Modern World | Orthodox Christian Hardcover Journal

I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your rational worship. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

- Romans 12:1-2

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Here is a way put forth by which we can perform our "rational worship"[or "reasonable service" in some translations]: by not being "conformed to this world." For there is nothing firm and secure, but all things are temporary and have only a form [σχῆμα, schema], with no substance or abiding essence. "Do not be like this unsubstantial world." That is, "Do not think like it does, but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind," that is, "Constantly renewing yourselves."

Have you sinned? You have worn out your soul. Be renewed again. Have you made some small increase in virtue? Strive to make more, and you will have become something new, ever transforming into what is greater.

Notice how Paul calls it being "conformed to this world," indicating its fleeting and transient nature. But he calls virtue being "transformed," since it has a natural beauty and has no need of outer appearance [schema] and adornment. For the world takes on an appearance [schema] to deceive us, but virtue shows its true form [μορφή, morphe], without false appearances [schema]. Thus, we must be transformed according to virtue, being renewed from evil to good, and from lesser virtue to greater.

+ Blessed Theophylact of Bulgaria, Explanation of the Epistle to the Romans