Devotional: Nonconformists

Romans 12:1-2 “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect” (Rom. 12:2). It seems to me that almost every time I watch a news broadcast there is a report on some poll. Polls give us an indication of what people believe, what people think, and what people are doing. How do I compare with the groups in the polls? Am I to change my beliefs? Is my thinking right or wrong? Do I need to change the way that I do things. Do I want to conform to the majority, or, am I content to hold fast to the position that I am in? How reliable are the polls? In the book of Romans Paul is constantly explaining God’s relationship to Israel under the old covenant, and His relationship with both Israel and the Gentiles under the new covenant which was ratified by the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. There are a lot of opinions going around. I suppose that people then are like people today. People conform to the latest fad or poll. Opinions change. Those who believe in Christ Jesus are not to be persuaded by every wind and doctrine. Our goal in life is to please God. This is impossible if we conform to the world. The world is ever changing, but “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever” (Heb.13:8). We are to be steadfast in our faith in Jesus Christ. We are called to be nonconformists. Prayer: God, our Father, we thank you for every blessing that you provide for us. We present ourselves to you in body, behavior, and mind. We desire not to conform to this world, but to be transformed by you. Amen.