Free Will in the Wild: You Are Allowed to Change Your Mind

"Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind." The word conform means to take on an outward pattern or shape— often unconsciously allowing yourself to be pressed into a mold or adapting yourself to fit others’ expectations—the systems and assumptions and dominant values of the culture squeezing and shaping you into something that works for its benefit. Fitting you into a box or category that’s easily understood. Fear, outrage, consumerism, productivity, political tribalism, shame, scarcity, success culture… these things are constantly working to form and conform us… IF we’re willing to allow them. Paul tells us, “Don’t let the world decide your shape.”—don’t give the world that sort of power over you. Instead, Paul says, “be transformed.”