“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”
— Romans 12:2 (NIV)
In our family, it’s okay to be different. It’s actually more than okay. It’s encouraged. We don’t want to follow the crowd—and we certainly don’t need to fit in with the crowd.
But rather, we want to be the light to the crowd. To be there for the crowd. To help the crowd. To set examples for the crowd. But never to be the crowd.
And that’s why Romans 12:2 is our family’s verse.
Why Every Family Needs a Guiding Verse
Just like any strong business needs a mission and a vision, we believe every family should have a spiritual foundation—a guiding verse that helps anchor your values and decisions.
For us, that verse is Romans 12:2.
We didn’t choose it because we thought it sounded nice. We chose it because it challenges us daily. It reminds us that we were never called to fit in—we were called to be set apart.
When the World Says “More,” God Says “Transform”
“Do not conform to the pattern of this world…”
The world is dark. It pushes patterns like busyness, hustle, comparison, noise, and performance. The world is full of sin. Full of trouble. Full of people chasing things other than God. It’s full of money problems, addiction, and sources of trouble.
Matthew 7:13-14 says, “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.”
You don’t enter the narrow gate by being worldly. So we don’t chase what culture says things like parenting, success, health, or fun should look like. We’re asking God what He wants for our family.
Our children are learning that being different isn’t just okay—it’s what we’re called to. Not to blend in, but to be bold in their faith. To shine light in dark places.
About 20 years ago (wow, I feel old saying that), I was at a Bible study when one of the guys there said, “Your life may be the only Bible some people read” and that has stuck with me since that moment. We are called to walk in Christ’s footsteps, and Romans 12:2 is a solid reminder of that.
Why Your Family Needs a Verse Too
Here’s what I’ve learned: having a family verse gives your home a spiritual identity. It’s not about being perfect. It’s about having a foundation. Something to return to when everything else feels unsteady. I think about our verse daily. Sometimes multiple times a day. Justin has it printed on a bracelet that he wears every day. It is constantly there, reminding us of who we are supposed to be. I love having that one verse to call on all the time. I encourage you to find your family verse, if you don’t have one already.
Here’s why you might want to pray about choosing one:
- It shapes your values. A verse can guide your family culture and help you say “yes” and “no” with intention.
- It centers your kids. When the world is confusing, they’ll remember the truth you built your home around.
- It creates legacy. One verse can carry through generations, becoming a thread of faith in your family line.
- It sparks discipleship. It opens conversations about Scripture, choices, and what really matters.
What a Family Verse Does
Having a family verse like Romans 12:2 gives our home a clear identity. It helps us:
- Make decisions—from homeschool to careers to how we spend our weekends
- Stay grounded—when life gets loud or we feel behind
- Parent with purpose—teaching our kids to think biblically, not culturally
- Start conversations—about faith, obedience, and living differently
It doesn’t mean we get it right every time. But it gives us something to come back to when we veer off course.
“Be transformed by the renewing of your mind…”
That’s the reminder we need in a world that wants us to stay distracted and conformed.
How to Choose a Family Verse
If you haven’t chosen a family verse yet, consider this your invitation. Here’s how to start:
- Pray together. Ask God to highlight a verse for your family’s season, purpose, or story.
- Listen. Often the same verse will come up again and again in sermons, songs, or your quiet time.
- Display it. Put it on your walls, planner, fridge—wherever you’ll see it often.
- Live it. Let it guide your family culture, decisions, and conversations.
Final Thoughts
We’re not raising our kids to blend in.
We’re raising them to follow Jesus—wholeheartedly, unapologetically, and boldly. Romans 12:2 reminds us that the path of transformation begins in our thinking. And that thinking turns to doing and that is what leads us to living set apart.
This world needs more families who are willing to stand out, shine truth, and live differently—for the sake of the Gospel.
So what about your family?
What verse could be your anchor? Your mission?f you don’t have one yet—maybe today’s the perfect day to start.
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