How to Not Conform to this World

There is immense pressure to conform to this world. Enticements—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—come at you 24/7.

For the world offers only a craving for physical pleasure, for everything we see, and pride in our achievements and possessions. These are not from the Father but are from this world. – 1 John 2:16, NLT

This has been true since the fall of Adam. But today’s world is exceedingly fierce and violent. People love money more than other people. They love pleasures more than God. See 2 Tim 3:1-9.

Think about how rampant the craving for physical pleasure is. Precious children lured, abducted, abused, and sold as sex slaves. Robots created for sex.

So, dear ones, let us take definite steps not to conform to this world.

In light of God’s infinite mercies, present yourself as a living sacrifice

In my blog In Light of God’s Infinite Mercies, we were challenged to make a once-for-all present of ourselves to God as a living sacrifice. Then, each day to live holy—wholly dedicated to Him. This is our rational, reasonable worship well-pleasing to God.

Now, let’s take the next step.

Do not be conformed to this world

Do not copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. (Rom 12:2, NLT)

Phillips says: “And, do not let the world around you squeeze you into its own mold.”

• Don’t conform to a wicked, rebellious, and idol-worshipping generation.
• Do not conform to the beliefs, values, moral atmosphere of this present age.
• Don’t follow the false and fleeting vanities of people who do not know God.
• Do not conform to their ideas, attitudes, feelings, opinions, habits, lifestyles.

Stop assuming an outward expression that does not come from within you and does not represent who you are in your innermost being.

In other words, let your outward expression only reflect the Anointed One in you, into whose image you are being conformed!

You can do it. Remember:

You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world. (1 John 4:4, NKJV)
For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith. (1 John 5:4, NKJV)

To be continued . . .

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Feel free to post your comments.

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Capazin Thornton is a Christian speaker and author in Orange County, California.