Do not conform

"...for this reason, the Apostle Paul charges us, “Do not to be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” It takes real courage and real integrity to be a real Christian. It takes a willingness to stand when all else will not."

“And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind…” -Romans 12:2

The apostle commands us not to be conformed to this world; that is, not to allow ourselves to be formed by the corrupt customs of this world. Brothers and sisters, we cannot be of a complying nature that allows us to be shaped and controlled by the forces of this wicked age. We must stand fixed and faithful in accordance with the unchanging truths of the holy scriptures. We must freely and fervently stand for the holy calling that has been placed upon us by our Father. We must be simply and singularly obedient to God at all times, in all places, in all circumstances.

Some will mock, as Michal did David. Indeed, the world counts the Christian a fool for his single-minded commitment to his God. The committed Christian life requires resolution. It requires courage to despise the shame the world will hurl for our unwavering faith in the One and Only Way. Shame is that which the proud nature hates most. Many are so desperate to avoid shame that they dare not to 'confess Christ openly' (John 7:13). Many lose heaven because they are afraid to be thought of as a fool.

Some will persecute; even to the death, merely for this non-conforming spirit that has pledged allegiance to Christ's Kingdom and to a way of life that is contrary to that of this world. This was the trap laid for the three Hebrew boys. They must dance after Nebuchadnezzar's pipe, or burn. This was the plot laid to ensnare Daniel, who walked so faithfully, that his very enemies confessed he had no fault but his unwavering commitment in his God (Daniel 6:5). It is a great honor to a Christian (and to the church) when all that our enemies can say is “They are faithful; and will not do as we do”.

Now in such a case as this, when the Christian must turn or burn, leave praying or become a prey how many will stand? How many will refuse to cave to the threats of the enemy? The sad answer is few. Few will stand. Certainly, the cowardly will conform. The half-hearted will cave. The part-time Christian will decide it’s not the time. Who will stand? Christians: this pressure to conform is the battle, and our opposition is great. And for this reason, the Apostle Paul charges us, “Do not to be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” It takes real courage and real integrity to be a real Christian. It takes a willingness to stand when all else will not. But lest we feel overwhelmed, let us look to Jesus and see what he endured for our sakes. Let us be reminded that there is a real hell to escape and a real heaven to gain. The battle is worth it. Do not forget that if we are ashamed of Him that He too will be ashamed of us.

Therefore, let us march on soldiers. We’re on the winning side. It is worth it now and it will be worth in the end.

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