Do Not Conform Any Longer To The Pattern Of This ...

"Do not conform any longer 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." (Rom 12:2, NIV)

The word we translate “conform” is schema. We get from it words like scheme or schematic. When I did some work with electronics I worked with schematics. That’s the plan or diagram that shows how each component is connected so the device works properly. If you’re assembling a radio, you’d better be sure it conforms to the schematic. If you want to mess with someone’s mind just for fun, or sabotage their efforts out of meanness, switch their schematic with one designed for a different model than they’re assembling.

The Bible warns us that the devil, the prince of this darkened world, has switched schematics on us. He has a plan for us that will lead us away from God if we conform to its design. We have to follow a different design and conform to God’s schematic.