We can find many Bible verses that instruct and admonish us as Christians to remain pure and called out from the world.
Jesus said that we are not of this world, even as He was not of this world.
Yet, we are still very much in this world.
We face all of the same struggles, challenges, temptations and emotions that everyone else in the world faces.
So, how can we be in the world, but not of the world? "Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.
Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is-his good, pleasing and perfect will.
" (Rom.
12:2 NIV).
When something "conforms" it takes the shape of another object.
It is malleable, and seeks to take its shape from whatever it is surrounded by.
As a Christian, you have the choice, you can either conform to, or take the shape of, the world, or you can align yourself with God's perfect will, and be on a path all your own.
Like Abraham, for true Christians, this world is not our home.
Not our final home anyway.
That doesn't mean there are not wonderful amazing people, Christian and non-Christian in our lives, or that we don't enjoy our sojourn through this world.
However, we must always remember we are "looking forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God.
" (Heb.
11:10 NIV).
But what does it really mean to not be conformed to this world? Does it mean to have no material possessions, to defy world authority, to isolate yourself from anyone who is "of the world?" How does that translate into our everyday lives? One great place to look for an example is at Jesus' life on Earth.
He came into this world, became human and walked among us, as one of us.
Yet, whenever he was faced with a choice, he chose to please God, rather than appease man.
Whether he was talking with Satan himself, the Pharisees or Pontius Pilate, He did not pull his punches or compromise for gain.
He knew the world would not receive him, but He also knew that his sheep would hear his voice.
It is the same with us.
While the majority of the world will not accept us for the fact that we are not conformed, there are those who will be drawn to God's spirit in us.
And, best of all, we know that we are choosing to honor and please God, and He will approve of us.
Jesus said that we are not of this world, even as He was not of this world.
Yet, we are still very much in this world.
We face all of the same struggles, challenges, temptations and emotions that everyone else in the world faces.
So, how can we be in the world, but not of the world? "Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.
Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is-his good, pleasing and perfect will.
" (Rom.
12:2 NIV).
When something "conforms" it takes the shape of another object.
It is malleable, and seeks to take its shape from whatever it is surrounded by.
As a Christian, you have the choice, you can either conform to, or take the shape of, the world, or you can align yourself with God's perfect will, and be on a path all your own.
Like Abraham, for true Christians, this world is not our home.
Not our final home anyway.
That doesn't mean there are not wonderful amazing people, Christian and non-Christian in our lives, or that we don't enjoy our sojourn through this world.
However, we must always remember we are "looking forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God.
" (Heb.
11:10 NIV).
But what does it really mean to not be conformed to this world? Does it mean to have no material possessions, to defy world authority, to isolate yourself from anyone who is "of the world?" How does that translate into our everyday lives? One great place to look for an example is at Jesus' life on Earth.
He came into this world, became human and walked among us, as one of us.
Yet, whenever he was faced with a choice, he chose to please God, rather than appease man.
Whether he was talking with Satan himself, the Pharisees or Pontius Pilate, He did not pull his punches or compromise for gain.
He knew the world would not receive him, but He also knew that his sheep would hear his voice.
It is the same with us.
While the majority of the world will not accept us for the fact that we are not conformed, there are those who will be drawn to God's spirit in us.
And, best of all, we know that we are choosing to honor and please God, and He will approve of us.
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