There’s a funny thing about people. We seem to have a need to conform to something or someone. Children, for example, are great imitators; it is how they learn. One day I was walking across campus behind a fellow faculty member who, because of an old injury, walked with a peculiar, bowlegged gait. Alongside him was his very young son who, although he had nothing wrong with his legs, was walking exactly like his dad. But the curious thing about it is that this childhood tendency doesn’t go away when we grow up.

Every man walks in an image. When you look at people, ask yourself: What is that man’s image of himself? What is that woman’s self-image? Soon enough, you will come to understand what I mean. What I wish is that more people, young people in particular, could come to understand is that there is an even higher standard of conformity.

Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. 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.