Conform...Why?

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
Romans 12:2

I don't know of any parents who have seen children through their teen years who haven't at one time or another had to respond to the plea of a child who says in a very pitiful or even angry voice, “But the other kids are doing it.” Many times we parents have replied in varied ways, but usually whatever the reply, we try to get the point across that, ”You are not other kids.” We cautioned our children about following the crowd because in most instances, nothing good comes from blind conformity.

I've heard many pastors interpret the first part of our above verse that we aren't to allow the world to squeeze us into its mold. I'm afraid though, that we adults are often more guilty than our children when it comes to going along with the crowd. Today we are bombarded by the media to respond to the latest and greatest of anything being offered and it succeeds or we wouldn't be biting on the bait that is dangled in front of us.

It is amazing and almost disgusting to see all of the medication advertisements on TV these days. I asked my doctor at one point if folks go to them (doctors) to see if some of those medications would be good for them. He said it is surprising how many buy into those ads, even disregarding the warnings of their usage. Advertising puts great pressure on people who see it in the mail or in the media. We tend to be easy prey and advertisers are well aware of it.

Many Christians today are also following the crowd when it comes to types of churches, worship practices, and type of music. Mention to folks the latest Bible translation, and it's amazing how many will purchase a copy of it as soon as possible. I feel sorry for Christians who get caught up in cults. For their own reasons, they have followed the crowd hoping some empty place in their hearts can be filled.

People may agree with me, but the Christian life can be very lonely where the company of others is concerned. This spiritual walk of ours is, or should be a very personal walk with God. No one can do it for us. It must be one on one with our Heavenly Father. There's nothing wrong with enjoying the fellowship of other Christians, seeking their prayer support and even their counsel. When it gets down to the reality of things, no one can live the Christian life for us.

One thing I noticed by Romans 12:1 was Paul's usage of “ye” or “your.” Yes, he was writing to the Corinthian church, but was writing to individuals. That verse speaks to you and me in a very personal way. Paul begins in verse one to throw out a challenge:

I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the
mercies of God, that ye present your bodies
a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God,
which is your reasonable service.

Paul beseeched those Christians by God's mercies to give over their lives as living sacrifices. Sacrifices for the Jews had to be holy, pure, nothing flawed and nothing else would be accepted by God. In light of all Jesus had done for them (and now for us), it was only reasonable for them to do such.

It's not easy living holy and dedicated lives in the corrupt world we live in. Our culture pulls and tugs at us to keep up with others, do as they do and live in the same fashion as they live. This pull isn't just out in the world but is often found in churches we attend. Many churches are conforming to “worshiptainment” and we are viewed as being narrow and judgmental if we don't go along with it. In some churches, the preaching and teaching of God's Word has become watered down in order to enable people to have a comfortable faith.

So, how do we NOT conform to this world. Paul says we are to be transformed...changed from one state to another. That takes concentrated effort on our part. It will mean consistently renewing our minds. Philippians 2:5 tells us to “Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus....” It means first desiring the mind of Christ and making that our godly goal, not a human goal but one for God's glory only. As we do that, Paul tells us that as we keep our focus on having the mind of Christ, we will come to really know so much more about what is involved in being in God's perfect will.

The world does want to form us to it's shape, but you and I have a different call on our lives. I've heard pastors say that the problem with being a living sacrifice is that once on the altar, we can crawl off. However, a dead sacrifice in our day isn't of much use. God wants us alive and functioning for Him with that transformed mind that pleases Him.

Father, help me to be consistent in my walk with You. As I read Your Word, may You, Holy Spirit, bring it to reality in my life. May it not only bless me but also convict me when I'm not even close to my “reasonable service” for Your glory. In Jesus' precious name....Amen