The Anglican (English) Bible translator, J. B. Philips, is well known for his rendering of Romans 12:2: “Don’t let the world around you squeeze you into its own mould, but let God re-mould your minds from within, so that you may prove in practice that the plan of God for you is good, meets all his demands and moves toward the goal of true maturity.”

“Conform” can be translated passively (“conformed”) or actively (“conform”)—most modern translations choose “conformed.” “Conformed” suggests that the world is constantly putting pressure on Christians to conform them into the values of the world. The latter suggests that we are not to choose conformity to the world. “Be transformed” (passive) parallels “do not be conformed.” Instead of allowing the world to conform us, we are to be transformed by the renewing of our mind through constant study and meditation on the Word of God.

Live defensively, guarding against the pressure of this world. And live actively, filling your mind with God’s truth.

The Bible tells us not to be conformed to this world either physically or intellectually or spiritually.
Billy Graham