Conforming

The other night I was listening to a song by Noah Gundersen called "Jesus, Jesus." One of the lyrics in the song says, "Jesus, Jesus, there are those that say they love you, but they have treated me so God-damn mean. And I know you said "forgive them for they know not what they do," but sometimes I think they do." 


Hearing that was really painful for me. As far as I know, this artist isn't a believer. Where are we (Christians) to show people like Noah the love that God has for them? So many people view Christianity in a negative light, and I can see why. 


If we're acting the exact same way as our friends who aren't Christians, then there's something seriously wrong. If you claim to be a Christian, yet go out on the weekends and drink, have sex, do drugs, etc. on a regular basis then I think it's time for you to do a reality check. It doesn't even have to be as severe as those things either, it could be as simple as making sexual jokes around your friends and conforming to their other behaviors. 


I'm guilty of it, and my guess is so are you. But, that doesn't mean we can take this subject lightly. It's a serious thing...look at what the Bible says in James 3:9-12 "With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be. Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring? My brothers and sisters, can a fig tree bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water." This doesn't mean we can't mess up, but when we're continuously living a life that is not glorifying to God something needs to change. 


I'm not trying to judge anyone by any means, but I think it's important to shed light on these issues because they matter to God. I personally struggle with conforming, and I have for a while. A lot of the time, conformity means that you're lukewarm. Whose side are you fighting for if you claim to be on God's side but all your actions seem like you're on Satan's? 


"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." 


So, here's my challenge for you: "Live wisely among those who are not believers, and make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be gracious and attractive so that you will have the right response for everyone." 


God bless you all!


- Mya Grace