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Is Conformity found in the Bible?

Before I proceed with expanding on my thoughts on how we must deal with pressures to conform on Christ followers in this day and age, I must present these instructions from God’s Word as to how we are to separate ourselves from worldly behaviour…

“For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. If I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me. Yet which I shall choose I cannot tell. I am hard pressed between the two. My desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better. But to remain in the flesh is more necessary on your account. Convinced of this, I know that I will remain and continue with you all, for your progress and joy in the faith…” (Philippians 1:21-25)

I feel the need to make it crystal clear that Paul is not promoting ‘escaping this world’,
instead he is making a call to dig-in and with God’s help, be strong and overcome the world.

So, we are called to separate ourselves from pursuing worldly pleasures, gains, and wealth… therefore as Christians, can we ever truly feels at home in this world?

— Consider the thoughts captured in this song, “This World is Not My Home” – (Author Anonymous)

1. This world is not my home, I’m just a-passing through,
My treasures are laid up somewhere beyond the blue;
The angels beckon me from heaven’s open door,
And I can’t feel at home in this world anymore.

Refrain:
O Lord, You know I have no friend like You,
If heaven’s not my home, then, Lord, what will I do?
The angels beckon me from heaven’s open door,
And I can’t feel at home in this world anymore.

2. They’re all expecting me, and that’s one thing I know—
My Savior pardoned me, and now I onward go;
I know He’ll take me through though I am weak and poor,
And I can’t feel at home in this world anymore.

3. I have a loving Savior up in glory-land,
I don’t expect to stop until I with Him stand;
He’s waiting now for me in heaven’s open door,
And I can’t feel at home in this world anymore.

4. Just up in glory-land we’ll live eternally,
The saints on every hand are shouting victory,
Their songs of sweetest praise drift back from heaven’s shore,
And I can’t feel at home in this world anymore.

I ask you to compare Paul’s thoughts from Philippians 1:21-25 “For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. If I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me.” – with the statement found in verse 3 of this song, – “I have a loving Savior up in glory-land, I don’t expect to stop until I with Him stand.”

Again, the theme is not to quit, but to continue on for Christ.

In the meantime… How do we test our appetites for fleshly failures?

— I believe you can test yourself with one simple question: “Am I trying to look like worldly figures or fashions, and to what extent am I willing to go to receive my worldly friends’ approvals?”

The ‘Apostle to the Gentiles,’ which is what Paul called himself, had a few more things to say on that subject… “I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” (Romans 12:1-2)

“Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ.” (1st Corinthians 11:1)

— If God is speaking to you as you read this, you will be understanding that we as Christians, need to be using that same question as a continual guide-post in our life-walk… “Am I imitating Christ in this? Or am I trying to imitate some worldly trend or idol?”

— Perhaps this question needs to be asked of some ministries out there as well?

In closing… Follow Christ, and you will be victorious. Follow the world, and you will be deceived.

I trust that as the Holy Spirit guides and convicts us, we will all choose the right path.

God bless! …(KRK)