Tuesday, June 24, 2008

Conforming or being Transformed

Conforming or to be transformed are two lifestyle choices that lead us on distinctly different journeys in life.

It would seem that many Christians have confused these and thus have settled for something less fulfilling. One of these paths leads unto righteousness and maturity the other unto compromise and the following after that which is popularized by the majority.

To transform is to change the essence of the inner being. It is to contemplate past present and future while taking happiness dreams desires faith and relationship into consideration. To integrate new revelation understanding ideals into your belief system, to see the world in a new light.

Conforming is to bend to the pressures of an outside influence. It is to become a follower without knowing who is setting the standard. The inner being is considered irrelevant for conformity deals with the outward appearances, with uniformity, with trendiness and status.

Will you exhibit the same character actions and speech in the presence of those of the world as you do while interacting with your brothers and sisters in Christ? How about your demeanor in the presence of God, does conformity pervade your character and attitude or has your heart been saturated with a love that has inspired a transformation to take place? Live your life as unto the Lord your God. We are not here to merely fit in taking special care or precautions to gain acceptance. Live what you believe and not as a hypocrite for we are not of two minds, of two hearts, of two sets of beliefs. Conformity is a choice often associated with with fear, relational need or dysfunction, insecurity, loneliness, companionship and a longing to feeling connected. Conformity is a way to live an obscure life. It promotes a false sense of security in its attempt to ensure you are not singled out rejected or persecuted. To feel included and integrated into the norms of society gives the flesh resurgence to lead.

Transformation leaves room for discovery, for exploration, for reflection, correction, creativity and personal identity. Concepts and lifestyle choices are analyzed and contemplated leading unto a decision being made to incorporate or reject as something new is presented or discovered. Our transformation overcomes conformity for our consecration unto righteousness holiness and maturity in Christ Jesus has set us apart from those consumed by worldliness. A transformed life gives purpose direction and goal to those that have taken the time to nurture their inner beings. When leadership stems from a transformed heart righteousness love and freedom in Christ prevail. The transformation of our hearts and lives are our witness in the midst of a world that has embraced conformity.

1 Peter 1:13-17
Therefore prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed. As obedient children do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance but just as he who called you is holy so be holy in all you do. For it is written be holy because I am holy. Since you call on a Father who judges each mans work impartially live your lives as strangers here in reverent fear.

1 Peter 2:9-10
You are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. Once you were not a people but now you are the people of God. Once you had not received mercy but now you have received mercy.