The Temptation of Conformity!
One of the biggest temptations for Christians is to be a conformist. No one likes conflict and with our new nature in Christ Jesus, we have been given a heart full of love and compassion for others. The secular society thinks that we Christians are hateful and judgmental but that is because they judge us unfairly without knowing how Jesus changes the heart.
With all that noise coming our way from a world that does not like God’s ways, it is easy to lose our way and try to get along with those who are judging us unfairly. Perhaps that doesn’t describe you, but I think it has affected each of us at different times during our lives. To try to let people know that we do not judge them, but that God has set certain standards for us to live by causes a conflict with a world that has a deep aversion to God.
That love for people we have in letting them know how loving we are is where the temptation can arise. Sometimes it affects us in wanting to look more like the world. Or it affects us in wanting to act more like the world so they know we are not just odd people who use religion as a crutch.
To maintain our testimony in this society and yet hold to the standards of God can be like trying to walk on a tightrope across Niagara Falls. At least it can feel that stressful. It sometimes presents us with difficult choices which we find hard to maintain but which we must. There can be no compromise with the world’s godless standards for you and me. We must remain faithful to the One Who is faithful to us. The One Who gave His life for us. No one has been as faithful to us as Jesus. So why the hard choices?
Don’t worry about what people think of you! What do they think of your Jesus? Some people will never accept Christ or the standards of the Bible, but we must not sink down with them in our thinking. Sometimes you will have to take it on the chin. Sometimes it hurts but remember Whose we are. We were bought with a price and we have a great eternity to share with our Lord and Savior.
In Psalms 34:16 “But the LORD turns His face against those who do evil; He will erase their memory from the earth.” Vs. 21 Calamity will surely destroy the wicked, and those who hate the righteous will be punished.” NLT
Our mission is to tell them of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and warn them of God’s judgment. It is not a pretty message, but we are commissioned to take it to the ends of the earth. How are we doing? When the trumpet sounds and you are caught up to be with Christ Jesus… will you look back at the world and long to stay there? Will you have been true to the world or true to Jesus during your time on earth?
You see, it is a large responsibility that sometimes gets overshadowed by our fast-paced earthly journey. It is easy to forget Who we hold allegiance to. It is easy to forget why Christ saved us as we rush here and there.
Here are my questions for you. Do you find that you have compromised with the world’s standards of righteousness, or right living? Oh, you may not have robbed a bank or killed anyone, but is that good enough? What about the music you like to listen to? Do you adore the music of this world? Do you adore the language of the world? Does your heart find you conforming to a secular world that hates your Jesus? Are you brave enough to stand alone if you have to or is that too much to ask?
Psalm 34:19 “The righteous person faces many troubles, but the LORD comes to the rescue each time. Vs. 22 But the LORD will redeem those who serve Him. No one who takes refuge in Him will be condemned.” NLT
May God bless you on your journey and keep you faithful.
Ken Lewis Th.D.