Is it possible that some Christians struggle with knowing God’s will because they have conformed to the value systems of the culture around them!? Do you know if you have conformed to the patterns of this world? The world continues to woo Christians to conform to its pattern and we need to find ways to watch out for it.
I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. 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 12:1-2
Definition of conform (according to Strong’s dictionary): To conform one’s self (i.e. one’s mind and character) to another’s pattern, (fashion one’s self according to).
Definition of conform (according to Webster’s dictionary): To give the same shape, outline, or contour to : bring into harmony or accord.
- 1) To be similar or identical also : to be in agreement or harmony —used with to or with
- 2) a: to be obedient or compliant —usually used with to
- 3) b: to act in accordance with prevailing standards or customs
I shared in the last devotional that if we want to know God’s will, it begins with us surrendering ourselves as a living sacrifice. The next important step is ensure that we are not being conformed to the patterns of this world. What factors determine whether we are conformed to the world system or not? The above definitions give us insight into the issue conformity.
Conformity Produces Fictitious Peace
The world tells us that if we want peace and harmony, we need to go along with the program and conform to the what the majority wants. Disagreement is seen as intimidating and dangerous. As a result, if people want unity they are encouraged to compromise.
For example, you may have dinner with some family or friends when everyone decides to drink. You are expected to join in. If you don’t, your friends or family may feel judged, or they may make you feel like you are not really participating. People feel pressured by others to do things that they would not do otherwise all in the name of keeping peace, being part of the group, and being accepted!
Conformity is about following the Prevailing Standards
Another aspect of the above definition has to do with conformity is about taking on the prevailing standards and customs of those around us. The more we follow the patterns and the customs of the world, the further away we walk from the Lord.
The standards of the world have creeped into people’s homes as more and more people spend endless hours on their TV, computers, and cell phones. We are bombarded with messages that try to shape our values, goals, and activities. As believers, we need to be on guard about the prevailing standards of the day. Every new standard may sound good for a period of time but unless it is a Biblical standard, people are building on sand.
About 15 years ago, some people were jumping on the bandwagon of buying large and unaffordable houses in our area. The house prices were going up very fast, and people wanted to take advantage of the opportunity. They had it in their mind that they can enjoy the house for a few years and then sell it for a big profit. While they knew over the long haul the house would not be affordable, they were able to use creative financing to get it done. The Bible warns us about the dangers of debt and its potential problems. Some of those individuals fell into financial hardship when the housing market fell. Do we conform to the patterns of this world or do we trust God and His word!?
Conformity changes minds and character
One of the most sobering facts about conformity is that it changes people’s minds and character. This kind of conformity comes from exposing ourselves to certain messages and teachings over a long period of time when one gets brainwashed in attitude and character.
Currently, one of the dangerous forces of conformity are the universities. Many Christian parents dream for their children to go high ranking colleges, but unfortunately, many of the schools are not the place to broaden one’s horizon. Instead, they are about being brainwashed by university ideologues who want to impose their half-baked views on gullible young people.
According to Forbes, the current ratio of liberal professors to conservative professors is 28:1. That’s a big number, and it tells us who is discipling and conforming the next generation. Some parents get shocked by some of the actions or beliefs of their young people, but they forget the indoctrination that they have received in college for years. We have a responsibility not to be conformed to the patterns of this world and refrain from being enamored by big name schools. We need to do further research about the quality and the substance of the education the universities provide for our young people and change our minds about what is a good school.
Many times, conformity comes in subtle ways because it is part of the world system. The world will not notice conformity because it does not have a concrete standard to being with. It is up to every believer to know God’s standard and to be cautious not to go with the flow of the culture.Then we are in a much better position to know God’s will in our lives.
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