(continuing the study commentary I read in my Open Bible, New American Standard version)

Yielding leads not only to dedication but also can result in separation: "do not be conformed to this world" (Romans 12:2).  Since the world is resolutely opposed to God, one cannot revel in its lusts and at the same time do the will of God (1John 2:15-17 "Do not love the world, nor the things in the world.  If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.  For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the boastful pride of life, is not from the Father, but is from the world.  And the world is passing away, and also its lusts; but the one who does the will of God abides forever.")  The same word translated "conformed" here can be translated "fashioning."  So the concept of separation involves being "unfashionable" in spirit, thought, values, and actions according to the world's standards.

     Finally, yielding includes transformation of the mind.  This work is said to be accomplished through a lifetime of "renewing" the mind.  Man's mind has been darkened by sin (Romans 8:7 "because the mind set on the flesh is hostile toward God; for it does not subject itself to the law of God, for it is not even able to do so;") and must be brought to the place where it thinks as God thinks (Ephesians 4:23 "and that you be renewed in the spirit of your mind,").  This renewing is said to come especially through prayer to God in everything (Philippians 4:6,7 "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.  And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, shall guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.") and through constant meditation on the Word of God (Psalm 119:  "O how I love Thy law!  It is my meditation all the day.").  This transformation is a lifelong process that will not be completed until we are with Christ (Philippians 1:6 "For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus."   1John 3:2 "Beloved, now we are children of God, and it has not appeared as yet what we shall be.  We know that, when He appears, we shall be like Him, because we shall see Him just as He is.").  Along life's way, however, it brings a peace and delight that can only come from having embraced the mind of Christ.