In today’s reading Paul instructs us to not conform to this world. The reason that he tells us this, is that this world is a fallen world. We are to
conform to The Holy Spirit. He tells us to be transformed by the renewal of our mind. He means by this that we refuse to live life through the lens of our worldliness, our woundedness, our sinfulness, our traumas, or by the opinions or notions of others. Rather we live our lives through the lens of God the Holy Spirit’s guidance and direction. He continues with “that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” When we refuse to conform to the patterns of this world, we welcome the counsel of the Holy Spirit. Therefore, in all matters, when we test them, The Holy Spirit empowers us to discern three things in particular which God wills for us, that they be good, acceptable, and perfect.
