The world is changing today at a pace which is unprecedented in human history. Whole industries are disrupted by new technologies, AI looks like it may invade everyone’s life and job, and the institutions and values we held closely just a few years ago are in question today.
How do we navigate this? Is there a strategy that will guide us through these turbulent times? Christians will find guidance in the Bible. We are all familiar with this oft-quoted verse from Romans 12:2
Do not conform 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. (NIV)
But have we ever thought about how it might apply to our lives in the marketplace? As we all struggle with doing a good job for our employers, or building a successful business, does this passage provide any insights? How does it influence our 9 to 5 world? Let’s view it from the perspective of a marketplace Christian and contemplate what it means for us.
“Do not conform.” Conform means “to comply with rules, standard or laws.” It implies an active and ongoing process. In other words, we don’t do it once and then live with the consequences. Rather, we constantly — everyday – make decisions to comply with a set of standards. We are constantly making decisions to live – or manage our careers or run our businesses – by the principles, practices, and processes to which we subscribe.
“To the pattern of this world.” What exactly is the pattern of this world for a marketplace Christian? A pattern is ’a form or model proposed for imitation.’ In this sense, it is composed of values, processes, principles and practices that define worldly marketplace success.
We understand that there are some worldly things that are beneficial. For example, we have learned a great deal over the centuries about to successfully grow corn, build automobiles, write a coherent sentence, and thousands of other human tasks. When God gave creation to mankind, He gave us not only the world we saw, but a world of vast potential. Much of the progress mankind has made consists of uncovering ever more of the riches in the world around us and co-creating with God an increasingly sophisticated world.
This real issue is the values and principles that come alongside this practical knowledge. They can be twisted to a worldly pattern or managed in a Godly way.
Here’s a simple everyday example. The world holds that it is acceptable to let bills go unpaid beyond their terms –sometimes months late – just because you can. That allows you to manage the money that would have gone to the vendor in a way that benefits you. This is a worldly practice, based on a corrupt value, which is part of the worldly pattern. A Godly response to the same situation is to pay your bills within the terms to which you agreed.
“But be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” This is the heart of the passage. After just forbidding us to follow the world’s patten, the passage offers an alternative: “Be transformed” That means to be made into something else, something different. Think of the “transformer” kids’ toys that transform a car into a mechanical beast. A thing, or a person, becomes something radically different. “Transform” signifies a radical, significant change, not a slight modification.
So, instead of following the worldly pattern of marketplace success, we are commanded to be ‘transformed” – radically made over. Rarely is transformation an instant event. Rather, it is a process, practiced over years, that gradually moves us closer to the goal of compete transformation.
And how are we to do that? By “the renewing of your minds.” It all starts in our heads. If we can renew our minds, we can touch every area of our lives. Everything we do – interactions with colleagues and employees, conversations with vendors and customers, financial decisions, etc. – everything can be touched.
So, how do we go about renewing our minds? Here are a couple of proven practices…
1. Control the input. Put into our minds things which are of God’s economy, not the world’s. So, seek to eliminate the things that promote a worldly mindset – TV shows, books, social media posts, some friends and acquaintances. etc. Instead, increase the input from sources which promote God’s pattern. Seek out small groups of Christian businesspeople to associate with, find Christian business publications (like this one) to subscribe to, locate Christian podcasts and YouTube channels. (Christian Business Insights podcast, Practical Wisdom YouTube Channel ) Dedicate a portion of time each week to taking in Godly input.
2. Decide what to think about. In other words, spend more time processing the good stuff, and less time processing the worldly stuff. Be careful of what you think about. We are given some precise instructions in Philippians 4:6
Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things.
So, set aside time to consider the ideas you’ve gained from Godly sources, and plan how you can implement them into your career or your business.
Finally, consider the benefits:
Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. (NIV)
Note that the benefit of this commitment is a greater knowledge of God’s will. You’ll see his will, not only for the world, but for your life. You’ll see career decisions more clearly; you’ll understand the principles and practices of running a business or managing a career through God’s eyes. Having been transformed, you will see the impact on your life and career.
In our age of turmoil, where things are changing more rapidly than at any time in human history, “Renewing your mind” may be the ultimate career and business strategy.
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