It’s no secret. There’s strategy in advertising. A bid for my buy-in.
“If you conform, you’ll truly be successful.” In your field. Home. Community. Life.
“Purchase that to make your life complete.” “Wear this particular clothing line to fit in and stand out.”
“You’ll never move ahead if you don’t hold to this worldview.”
So they say. Or insinuate. Messaging at every turn.
Conform?
Funny thing is, I can conform to this age today. And the demands will be different next year.
This conformity confines. Pushing or luring me into a certain mold I was never meant to fit.
Then changing the parameters.
“Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may discern what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God.” Romans 12:2
Transformation
Transformation sets free.
As my mind is renewed by the truth of His Word and the power of His Spirit, I grow in wisdom and understanding.
And begin to recognize what’s happening every day. Those subtle and not-so-subtle attempts of this age. Vying for my full attention and devotion.
To conform me to its image.
Your will
Father, help me to live in this world but not of it. Keeping my eyes on the Author and Finisher of my faith.
Instruct me in Your Word. Revealing truth that cuts through false claims and senseless chatter.
Teach me Your ways, that I may know You. And walk in Your good and pleasing and perfect will.
Amen.
What about you?
Have you ever been tempted to conform to this age? Instead of submitting to the transforming renewal of your mind?
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4 replies on “Conform?”
I was thinking today how assumptions work. Some people look at me and see a foreigner, some see a friend, some see a religious person. Only God sees my heart. So I should listen closely to His voice because He knows the real me. Oh and He loves me!
Bishop Budde had the courage not to conform, and her example — that she takes from the example of Jesus Christ — is one to contemplate and try to follow. Thank you, Susan, for this message which seems to fit in so well with hers — and our teacher and savior.
A good reminder. It’s easy to conform to this world when you’re surrounded by it. Filling your mind with holy things, helps…
I was reading Psalm 37 this morning, and while the focus was very different in some ways, the message is much the same: what is evil, wrong, hurtful WILL pass, and we must be patient. Conforming to or even focusing too much on the temporary and the wrong hurts us. The Lord “helps” and “delivers” and “saves” the righteous, “because they take refuge in him.”