Malcolm Potts February 21st 2016 ~ Conformity

I have been thinking about conformity.  Like many people I quite like to be liked.  It is extraordinary the lengths some people will go to to be liked, to fit in, to not stand out, to be accepted by one or more significant other people.When I think of the biblical prophets I can't imagine they were particularly needy types. Even a cursory glimpse at an Isaiah or Jeremiah would suggest they didn't need to be teacher's pet.  I wonder if they were always like that?  I wonder if the call of God on their lives was just so strong it drowned out any earthly perspective?  They endured so much grief, dismissal, alienation, isolation and even violence for their message.  There was nothing in it for them, only obedience to God.It's actually really tough if you are a natural conformer.  The bible says, by all means conform but not to this world!  How are you conformed to this world?  We are not to be conformed to this world, we are to be transformed by the renewal of the mind.  Only then will you be able to test the perfect will of God in a situation [Rom 12:1,2].How?Three things:God's person will want what God wants beyond anything else!  If you don't want what God wants but wish you did, ask him!  Ask him to change you.Second, it starts in the mind.  We lose it in the mind . . .  We get to thinking . . .  I start to listen to others for the 'inclusion' or 'exclusion' signals . . .  I think about what others think, not about what God thinks. I count the cost. I give in.Third, progressively, over time, I lose the mind of God on things.I don't want to conformed to the spirit of this world;  I want to be transformed.  Every day I need a brainwash.  I'm not brilliant at it but there are a few things I find help.Start the day with Jesus saying 'thank you' for him and his world [this involves a bit of the bible].Second, hang around 'good news' people who invite and challenge you.Third, ask God to help you to want what He wants and love and value what he loves and values.Fourth, limit your time consuming the world - papers, magazines, social media, TV.  Go for a walk or hang out with a good news person instead.Fifth, stand for something!  Don't just fall for everything.The first time I really stood up for something was in year 12.  I took on some very cunning nasty bullies who were shutting others down.  I won but it cost me.  Was it worth it? You bet.  When we don't conform to this world, God meets us and we get transformed. It's how faith works. There is nothing like it.BlessingsMalcolm