By His grace, the power of transformation overcomes the pressure of conformity.
“Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” Romans 12:2 NIV
My thoughts and comments today are about, “The Pressure of Conformity.”
Conformity is the world’s model. The pressure to conform to current societal norms can seem irresistible. Peer pressure is a powerful, fearsome thing. Through a pervasive culture, the media, movies, music, entertainment, fashion, violence, sexual promiscuity, and alternate lifestyles promote a permissive secularism that is difficult to resist. Being different is rarely applauded. Most people learn to merely blend in with the crowd around them. In fact, the crowd grants their acceptance only to those willing to think like them, look like them, talk like them, dress like them, and ultimately, behave like them. Embracing conformity comes with serious consequences, spiritually, psychologically, and relationally. Ultimately, you are deceived about who you are or who God meant you to be.
God made you an original, inimitable. But be advised, your God-given individuality can be eroded until you are more and more indistinguishable from others. That is not how God made you. In all the world that God made, you are divinely unique. Your DNA and fingerprint is identifiably unique from every person who has ever lived. Jesus said, “If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world.” John 15:19 NIV. In redemption, you are now uniquely His. My prayer for you is as Paul’s, “That He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man.” Ephesians 3:16 NKJV.
The Apostle Paul urged, “Do not conform any longer 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.” Romans 12:2 NIV. Reflect on Paul’s description of God’s will – good, pleasing, and perfect!
Let God’s Word fill your mind with truth. “We all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord.” 2 Corinthians 3:18 NKJV. By His grace, he power of transformation overcomes the pressure of conformity.
When I was a young teen, my Dad shared this wisdom, “Choose wisely the crowd with which you associate, because that crowd will determine who you become.” I was spared a lot of heartache by my Father’s counsel, and probably, so was he. I have observed the wisdom of his Godly counsel from the times I regarded or ignored his advice. As an adult, I choose friendships that exemplify who I want to be, with friends who inspire and challenge me to be better than I would otherwise be.
The Bible teaches that we are responsible for one another and accountable to one another. “And let us consider how to provoke one another to love and good deeds.” Hebrews 10:24 NRSV. Isn’t it interesting that a word more normally used negatively is used for such a Godly, positive result? “Therefore encourage one another and build each other up – edify – just as in fact you are doing.” 1 Thessalonians 5:11 NIV. Edification is not a one time occurrence; it is a lifestyle.
Today, I pray for you to edify others by personal example and persistent encouragement.
Christian Communications 2017
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