My answer. I want change the culture. I'm sick of secular culture views being crammed down my throat and into the minds of my grand-girls. It didn't used to be that way in this nation. There was a time when moral and biblical values reigned. So how did it change so drastically? That secular minority stood up and fought for what they believed in. Or maybe I should say they fought against what they didn't believe in. The point is, they didn't conform to a moral culture they didn't want, instead they changed it.
In Romans 12:2 Jesus tells us...
"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."
Jesus tells us that we are not to conform to this world. Let's look at the definition and synonyms of conform.
- to act in accordance or harmony; comply.
- to act in accord with the prevailing standards, attitudes, practices, etc., of society or a group.
- to be or become similar in form, nature, or character.
- to be in harmony or accord.
Let's see if we can gain a fresh perspective on this. I have substituted the word conform with some of the synonyms and definitions.
do not act in harmony with this world.
do not comply with this world.
do not be similar in form to this world.
do not yield to this world.
do not adapt to this world.
do not adjust to this world.
do not accomodate this world.
Now lets consider what is meant by "this world". It's easy to think of "this world" in the big things, the things that are blatantly and obviously against the Word of God, but we need to be especially sensitive to the subtle things of the world that may not have the appearance of sin or evil but can distract us. These are the things that the enemy will use most effectively to keep us conformed to "this world". These are the things that will keep us from making progress in our efforts to forward the Kingdom and will cause us to lose ground. It's been happening under our noses for years and is the reason our nation is in the sad state it is in. Thoughts that something really isn't too bad, or that bad, or it's only, or it's just a little, or not a big deal, are just some of the warnings that we might be conforming, yielding, adjusting, and accommodating. We need to ask God for His perspective. Our lives are transformed as Jesus gives us a new mind, His mind, the mind of Christ. It isn't the same mind we had before we said we would follow Him. In order for that to happen we must give Him full reign over all our thoughts and take on His perspective in everything. We do this in willing active cooperation with Him on a continuous basis.
While you and I benefit from this transformation, it is not for me or for you, but it is to prove that the Will Of God is Good, Acceptable, and Perfect. It is to display the good, acceptable, and perfect will of God to other believers so that they will be encouraged, and it is to show the world of nonbelievers that God's will is good, acceptable, and perfect. It is to Glorify God!
We have learned that change begins with the individual so it makes sense that we begin changing the culture by doing what this scripture says and refusing to yield, agree with, adapt to, and accommodate the standards, attitudes, and practices of this world. Not just the obvious but the subtle as well.
I am praying and asking God to show me those areas where I have unknowingly conformed to this world. I hope you will continue on this journey with me.
"A girl needs to be so lost in God, that the guy is going to have to seek HIM to find her!" ...Maya Angelou
