Romans 12:2 – Do Not Conform
The Troubling Trend
This troubling trend is no secret: teacher dissatisfaction is soaring. In 2008, 62% of U.S. teachers were happy with their careers; by 2024, only 33% felt the same.* From heavy workloads to student behavior, the complaints are real and relentless.
Educators are constantly inundated with reminders of these, and many other problems. The problems feel like they are always present. Each time the dark clouds of gloom, doom, and uncertainty rise, the buzzing speculations of doubt reignite the all-too-familiar angst. What will the test scores look like? How will this parent meeting go? What will I teach next year? Will I have to move to a different classroom? Will I have to teach a different content? What will next year’s students be like? What will be cut from the budget? Will I be cut from the budget?
It can feel overwhelming, and the natural tendency is to move in the direction of the buzz: listen to it, talk about it, worry about it, complain about it. But when we dwell on uncertainties and things out of our control, we fuel our own unrest, distancing ourselves from God’s peace.
Our Response
Our appropriate response is simple to understand, but tough to practice. Paul provides the basis for our proper response in 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)
“Do not conform.” In a field where we are surrounded by pessimism and speculation, choose to conform to the Word rather than the world around us. To be transformed by the Word requires agreement with the Word, which brings “the renewing of your mind.”.
The Word doesn’t validate our complaints—it calls us to a higher standard. The truth is, something will mold and shape each of us. We can claim nonconformity, but we will conform, either to the Word or to the World. Our tendency is to mold to the world because that is what we naturally desire; it’s the way we naturally behave. But God calls us to know His Word, renew our minds, and let our uncertainties, disappointments, and frustrations move us closer to Him.
Move A Different Way
You will not think your way out of a bad situation, nor will your work environment change because your mindset changes. But you, with your mind leading the way, will absolutely conform to something. Your mind thinks, and it will either observe and analyze the world around you through the filter of godliness and be molded and shaped by the Holy Spirit of God and His Word, or it will analyze the world around you through the filter of our limited humanity and pride and be shaped by selfishness, worry, fear, and doubt. Whatever we conform to influences our actions, and our reactions to our circumstances are often the source of our own discontentment.
An Example
The Apostle Paul’s own writings give us proof that he practiced what he preached. An example is found in Philippians 4:11, when from a Roman prison, Paul writes this powerful statement, “…for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances” (NIV). I think about the context of this scripture often. Paul, the most prolific writer of inspired scriptural commentary, was content even when in prison, not for a heinous crime, but for preaching the powerful, life-changing Gospel of Jesus Christ. Preaching freedom to captives led to his own captivity, yet his mind was transformed by the power of that same Word.
It is not a far reach to conclude that if Paul can be content in prison, I can be content in a stressful work environment. But contentment cannot come without a mind renewed by the Word of God.
The Application
God, in His infinite wisdom, instructs us to guard against worrying, complaining, and gossiping, all of which add stress and discontentment to an already challenging profession. And knowing the Word is the key to renewing our minds and avoiding these harmful thought patterns and actions that can definitely influence our level of satisfaction with our chosen career.
There are far too many to list. Here, though, are a few scriptures to know, keep in our hearts, and remember daily on our way to renewing our minds, finding contentment, and enjoying peace.
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” Philippians 4:6-7 NIV
“Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, ‘children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.’” Philippians 2:14-15 NIV
“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.” Ephesians 4:29 NIV
“A gossip betrays a confidence; so avoid anyone who talks too much.” Proverbs 20:19
Prayer:
Lord, when I find myself in the midst of trouble and in uncertain times, remind me of Your Word. Remind me that, as a Christian, I should react differently when I face uncertain times. Renew my mind, change my perspective to see You bigger than my problems, help me guard my actions, and give me peace. Amen
*Statistics obtained from a 2008 MetLife Teacher Survey and a 2024 Pew Research Teacher Survey.
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