Surrender means dis-comform-ing
You're not normal. Your job is to create a new normal of holiness. Romans 12:1-2 - Part 1
Verses 1-2 have been preached and reproached by so many – and for good reason. It’s concise and powerfully convicting. Here’s part one of today’s applications:
3 “Commands”
1. Present your body a sacrifice. (Ok, technically it’s not a command, it’s a sincere entreaty from an apostle. But if you can turn away the apostle’s politeness, you have some serious thinking to do.) Sacrifice is defined as “alive, holy and pleasing to God.” This is not a sacrifice that unbelievers can make, since they don’t fit a single one of those criteria. That also implies coming to faith doesn’t make this sacrifice. It is something that we do after we have been qualified by His mercies. “Which is your reasonable act of worship/service.” This is total ownership/submission. You have no bargains, bartering or deals. Your finances, future, education, vocation, [hope for a] spouse and house, car and comfort, social standing and recognition are all left in the hands of Jesus.
2. Do not be conformed to the pattern of this world.
The devil likes uniformity. God likes unity. Uniformity is a powerful social pressure of coercion. Christians need not comply to the demands of society. Many mega churches and modern evangelicals are completely oblivious to this command (although they can quote it along with the rest of us) because their entire ministry model is built around “relevance.” Whatever the leftist talking points are about “loving your neighbor, being sympathetic, fighting for social justice, and showing compassion” they have adopted. They have also thrown Christian distinctives under the bus, which do not conform to the pattern of this world. The evangelicals have tried to tame and normalize Jesus. But we as believers are called to normalize holiness, which means being a bit radical. Right now, we’re not normal and we shouldn’t be. We should have enough self-awareness that when “everyone else is doing it” red flags should be making us question, “Why?”
Examples of conformity:
· Covid masks and closed churches
· Not doing some work (low caste) because of social status (especially in India and eastern countries)
· Sending children to school because of peer pressure from society
· Fitting in with clothing that is immodest because the culture says its ok
· Not speaking the truth to confront sin.
· Watching the same movies that shape immoral values
· Sympathy to contemplate sin (like divorce and abortion)
· Misguided political opinions (open immigration as the answer)
By the way, have you ever noticed how the talking points and headlines are the same from news network to news network? They may have slight variations, but it is shocking how much news is missed because the ‘headlines’ are all in conformity to each other. It is also been documented how even the exact verbiage on various stories is handed down from national networks to local TV anchors. Conform! Comply!
As followers of Christ, our ability to be “relevant” is not the ability to blend and connect with people like a chameleon. The Bible is already relevant- and it’s our job to apply it, precisely where it contradicts the fallen culture! Which brings us to our final command (part 2, coming tomorrow)…