Have you ever taken inventory of your life? How are you different from those who do not know Christ? Can people see this difference or do they have to look long and hard to find it? Most of us don't like being different. Most of us want to fit in and be like those around us because life is just easier that way. No one likes to be made fun of.
"And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God." Romans 12:2
Are We Different: Conformer or Nonconformer?
Conforming isn't a word we use a lot anymore but it simple means someone who behaves or acts like the majority of people around them. Take this little quiz and see if you are a "fitter inner, a conformist" or a "nonconformer".
Do we watch the same movies and TV shows that others do? Do we think about the nudity, profanity and the Lord's name being taken in vain, or do we just go along with it?
Do we use our money just for ourselves, just for our wants and needs, or do we think of others and give generously to those in need? Do we give without having to tell everyone we just gave?
Do we dress like everyone else? As women are we modest? Do we go to the beach dressed modestly, or do we dress in the smallest, most fashionable bathing suit available?
Do we find ourselves laughing along with the smutty jokes that may be being told, or do we excuse ourselves from those conversations?
Do we defend our faith with love and humility when someone belittles God, Jesus or Christianity, or do we stand silently by?
Do we do what it takes to get ahead at work no matter whose toes we step on, or do we give credit to others for their hard work and help others even if it doesn't benefit us?
Do we praise God even in times of sorrow knowing that He is in control no matter what, or do we rail against God when things go wrong?
Do we ridicule others for how they dress, how they talk, the kind of car they drive or how they look, or do uplift all people? Do we engage in idle talk?
Are we friends only with those who can help us get ahead, or do we reach out to anyone regardless of their circumstances?
Does our speech reflect Jesus, or do we throw in the occasional curse word or vain use of the Lord's name with no thought at all because "that's what everyone does"?
Do we put sports above God? Do we practice or play games and miss church so we can participate in our given activity, or do we put God first?
Do we always look for affirmation and need our egos boosted, or do we seek humility and meekness?
Probably no one will get a perfect score on this little quiz. We are all a work in progress but that's the key - a work in Progress. Are we different? If we aren't making progress in these areas then something isn't right. Our goal is to become more like Christ.
Sham Christianity
The Devil would love to destroy our witness and make Christianity look like a sham by having us be people who are conformed to this world.
The Bible says Christians will be persecuted for their beliefs. I personally don't see a lot of persecution, at least not in this country. Maybe it's because we, as a whole, are just not that different from the world we live in.
STAND!
One of my favorite quotes from Martin Luther King says this:
"The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy."
When it's hard to stand for what's right, do we? Conformity is easy, but living a life different from the masses is difficult. We are a stranger in this earth. We simply have to love God more than the world. In I John 2: 15-17, we read that if we love the world then we do not have the love of the Father in us.
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