Conforming or Transforming?

Is it really true that we are what we eat? Leaving the detailed answer to that question to nutrition  and medical experts, most people will readily admit that unhealthy food choices take a toll on our bodies. What we consume affects our bodies, and generally accounts for the state of our physical health.

Drawing a parallel between the physical and the spiritual, a person’s outlook on life results from what one ‘eats’, be it intentionally or not. Acquiring a biblical worldview is therefore an inevitable result of faithfully engaging with the Bible, i.e., having our perception of the world shaped by Biblical principles.

Hastily endorsing a particular worldview as the right one isn’t enough, as we need to carefully examine the elements of such worldview, judging if it rightly explains the world in a consistently true manner. This is often done by answering important questions that deal with matters of life, such as origin – where have we come from? meaning – why are we here? morality – what is objectively right or wrong? and destiny – where are we headed?

Is there such a thing as the right worldview? Yes there is! But that isn’t so because it is either mine or yours, rather it is so because it faithfully and coherently explains the reality of the world in which we live. In a world where truth is often considered relative, it is profitable and indeed necessary to give thought to the underlying source of our speech and actions.

Worldviews play a defining role in a person’s life, even though it may not be what jumps out at you when meeting someone for the first time. Just as a building’s foundation and framework are aesthetically kept out of sight, yet we know the crucial role they play in providing structural support and stability.

Conformity or transformation?

We, as believers, are called to think in a certain way, not in conformity to this world, but in transformation by the renewing of our minds (Rom. 12:1). With each passing day comes a choice to conform or be transformed; whichever of these choices wins, nurtures distaste for the other. Neither of these ends is arrived at mysteriously, rather, it takes a habitual willingness to be influenced by the world or The Word. The latter requires more effort, and yields greater reward than the former on the long run.

If we really are what we eat, then the sure means to a transformed life is a renewed mind. And how else does that come about but by The Lord of The Word working through The Word of The Lord?

Intentionally or otherwise, we’re constantly choosing. Conformity or transformation, what’s your choice today?

Thanks for reading!

Sike Osinuga.