What does it mean to be conformed to this world?
To be conformed to this world means being molded by the God of this age or the God of this world. Scripture uses 'world' for the cosmos or the age, so set-free believers are not to follow a prescribed ritual or the world's pattern, but to be in tune with God.
Les explains that the word 'world' in Scripture is usually from two Greek words: 'cosmos' (from which we get 'cosmopolitan') or 'ion,' meaning age. So being conformed to this world means being molded by the God of this age or the God of this world. He contrasts the religious person or Jew, who must follow ritual, with the set-free believer, who has no prescribed ritual but is simply in tune with God, doing what He leads them to do. Believers are accountable to God alone, which is their logical, practical service.
And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.