Don't conform, transform

Romans 12:2 

Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may discern what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God.

I feel like all my life I've tried to conform, tried to be what whoever needed me to be at that time.  I've put so much pressure on myself that I've driven myself nuts.
When you see the first part of that verse, the first thing that comes to mind is "Don't conform to the world".  That's what the NIV says and the KJV.  That's what I've been taught.  Don't conform to the world.  Don't drink, don't smoke, don't dance and don't hang out with those who do.  Stay in our box.  Do what we do.


But what if it means, more than just the "world", but means anyone or anything?  What if it means so-called, "Christians"?  Should I do what they do?  Should I just listen to what they say?  No.  They fail.  They sin.  Sure, we should try to live our lives right and be an example, but they are not the plumb line.  They are not the standard.  They are not NOT who we should be looking too.

It's Christ.  It's the Son of God.  It's the only perfect, sinless, blameless human being that's ever walked this earth.  

I have got to stop thinking I have to measure up to whoever and just focus on God.  
THEN, I will be able to see what His will is for me.  For Nickie.  Not for Pastor Joe or Sister Susie, but Nickie.  God has a plan for ME.  It may not be the same path others have taken.  

Did Christ walk the same path as the religious of his age?  Nope!  He allowed His Father to make a way and he followed it.  Jesus was focused on His Father.  No one else.

Micah 6:8 

Mankind, He has told you what is good and what it is the LORD requires of you:to act justly,to love faithfulness,and to walk humbly with your God.

Matthew 22 

34 When the Pharisees heard that He had silenced the Sadducees, they came together. 35 And one of them, an expert in the law, asked a question to test Him: 36 “Teacher, which command in the law is the greatest?”37 He said to him, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.  38 This is the greatest and most important command. 39 The second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself.  40 All the Law and the Prophets depend on these two commands.”

It all comes down to Love God, walk with Him and love others.