Recently I heard a sermon on this well known and often repeated verse ~
"And do not be conformed to this world
(any longer with its superficial values and customs),
but be transformed and progressively changed
(as you mature spiritually)
by the renewing of your mind
(focusing on godly values and ethical attitudes),
so that you may prove (for themselves)
what the will of God is,
that which is good and acceptable and perfect
(in His plan and purpose for you).
Romans 12:2 AMP
This was the second lesson using only one verse, but there is plenty to be said about conforming to the world. I heard this sermon a couple of weeks ago and when looking back at my notes, my first reaction was at this stage of my life, I am no longer in the race to be in the midst of what is considered by the world as necessary to have the appearance of being "with it". Truthfully, I have always marched to the beat of my own drum and the older I get the more out of line I get with the masses. BUT, is that really the truth of who I am? Do I have areas where it is important to me to be seen as "worldly"? Am I always free from the struggle to be searching for man's approval? Are there still areas I seek to be approved of by those whom I care about their opinion?
I find the new phenomena of "Influencers" fascinating. Social media has been the catalyst that has catapulted this into the forefront. There are those who have placed themselves into positions of influence on the WWW. My personal thought about this--as quickly as you rise--so you can fall. I cannot imagine the pressure of ALWAYS being "On". On target as to what others will respond to---on target as to what is "cool"---on target as to what others will accept as the Social Gospel. I have no influence---and do not look to influencers for inspiration---I pray---my influence comes from The One True Source.
OF COURSE, I have struggles with conformity. Think for a minute about meeting a new person--someone well thought of in the circles surrounding you. Do you seek to impress--perhaps in a passive manner---but maybe overtly? Is it important that you are accepted and well thought of by those "influencers" in your life? What lengths are you willing to go to so that they will see you as someone they want in their circle? We think we do not want or need the approval of others, but perhaps the want or need to be sure you are always truly different and never seeking favor is in itself a way to seek conformity. Conformity with those on the supposed outside.
Bottom line---yes--I seek approval and sometimes that means conforming myself to the principles of the world. A subtle declaration of I do not gossip--and yet you listen to gossip and do not speak up is a great example. We conform when we do not speak up for what is right and true. BUT GOD---He is leading us down the road to sanctification and when we lean into Him--He will take those desires for behaviors which do not correspond to our faith. If we recognize our failings---and give Him the control--He will take the desire to be of this world from us. He will conform us to Him and Jesus Christ--and we will be in His good and acceptable and perfect plan for us. AMEN!
When we seek the Kingdom of God and His righteousness first, we won't be so quick to conform to the expectations of the world around us. This is such a thoughtful and thorough post, Lulu, and you truly made me think about things deeply today. Blessings!
ReplyDeleteAND, yet we still subtly --sometimes without realizing it---seek to conform to the world---not wanting to be the sore thumb sticking out. Thankful for a patient God who forgives over and over.
DeleteBlessings, Martha!