The freedom to transform so that we don't have to conform...

"Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind."

- Romans 12:2

 

The world and I don't see eye to eye. The truth is, even Jesus followers don't see eye to eye. But we all think we're seeing it right, don't we? That maybe everyone else is wrong. I am a part of the "grace" generation. The generation that has come to abuse grace. To use it as an excuse to live the life we want to live. It's like we think we found the true key to freedom when really we're often holding ourselves captive to sin. Do whatever you want and ask for forgiveness later. Or, we say things like, "Jesus loves me regardless of the things I do. His love for me isn't based on works." I'll agree to the fact that Jesus' love for us is unwavering. In fact, 2 Timothy 2:13 says, "if we are faithless, He will remain faithful." And Jesus' love has nothing to do with our acts. His love is pure and steadfast, unfailing and unconditional. But here's the thing, Jesus' love for us should drive us towards a life of transformation. Jesus didn't die so that we could conform to the world and then whip out the grace card when convenient. Jesus gave up His life so that we could find true freedom in Him. That's the beauty of it all. Jesus died so that we didn't have to conform. He gave us the ability to transform.

 

Now, this is where it gets tough. I read all of these articles about opinions. What's right and what's not right. What the bible specifically says and what it doesn't specifically say. We all have our own thoughts and convictions, some of which we don't compromise and some of which we'll easily compromise. But at one point or another, we all find ourselves conforming. We slip up. We make mistakes. Some of them are harder to recover from than others, but no one is perfect. In fact, only one perfect man ever lived and we nailed him to a cross. Clearly, we're a flawed bunch. And so maybe we think, "Well, Jesus doesn't expect me to be perfect, so he shouldn't be surprised at my frailty." Jesus isn't surprised by your frailty. He knows you're weak and imperfect, but His strength is made perfect in your weakness. And when you want to give in, when your flesh is hounding you and you think you can't win, you can. You realize, again, that you don't have to handle it like the world would. You don't have to conform, to fall victim to sin, become addicted, or live a life of shame and regret. You're an overcomer. Jesus died so that you could live a life transformed. A life of strength and victory. Not so that you'd be like everyone else.

 

It's a process. A daily occurrence. The word of God says we are not to conform but we are to be transformed. In other words, keep not conforming and keep on transforming. Because each day with Jesus should change our lives. We should look different. We should act different. People should know we serve the risen Savior, the one true God, not solely by our words but by our actions. We are called to talk the talk and walk the walk. To lead by example. To live a life that is set apart. Because if we're going to look exactly like the world, then what's the point? Are we simply in it to get out of Hell? Are we hoping to use Jesus as our personal wish granter? I mean really, why would we claim to be a follower of Christ when we're running full speed ahead with the world? Beth Moore said, "If you don't live it, you don't believe it." Church, are we living it? Are we living what we believe? Are we being transformed or are we conforming? The life set apart shouldn't look the same in any way, shape, or form. There's danger when the two combine. Be transformed, not conformed. That's how we point people to Christ.

 

"What shall we say, then? Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? By no means! We are those who have died to sin; how can we live in it any longer?  Or don’t you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death?  We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life." - Romans 6:1-4