Taking God Seriously in the Age of Trumpism and Christian Nationalism
Let’s get real for a minute. We’re living in wild times—everywhere you look, it feels like people are dividing into camps, picking sides, and expecting you to go along with their way of seeing the world. If you’re someone who wants to follow Jesus, you might be feeling extra pressure right now. Should you just fit in? Or is there a better way?
Exploring What It Means to Stand Out and Be Transformed
You’ve probably heard the verse: “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind” (Romans 12:2). But what does that actually mean for us today—especially with so many voices telling us what Christians should look like, act like, or believe?
What Does “Do Not Conform” Mean?
In simple terms, “do not conform” means: Don’t just do what everyone else does, whether it’s at work, online, at church, or in your community. It’s so easy to fall into patterns—repeating what we hear, following trends, absorbing opinions from the loudest voices. It can feel safer to blend in than to stand out.
But the Bible’s not just talking about being a rebel for the sake of it. When Paul wrote to the early Christians, he was telling them not to let the world around them shape their beliefs or behaviors. That still hits home today. We’re urged to give every part of our lives—our habits, words, choices, work, even how we treat people—to God. When we surrender those things, we invite God to do some deep work in us. We don’t just try to look different—we actually become different from the inside out.
The Transforming Power of the Gospel
Here’s the amazing part: this “transformation” isn’t about putting on a holy mask or pretending to be something you’re not. It’s about the Gospel—the good news of Jesus—reshaping you. Real change starts in your heart, not just your behavior. The more you see how much you’re loved by God, the more your perspective shifts. You don’t have to copy the culture around you, whether that’s the culture of the world or even “church culture” that’s more about power than love.
When you let God lead, you start to notice what matters to Him: mercy, humility, justice, truth. You learn to ask, “What does God want from me in this moment?” instead of, “How do I fit in?” That’s the kind of transformation that lasts—and stands out.
Discerning the Times
Let’s face it: it’s easy to get swept up in the big issues of our moment, especially with things like Trumpism and Christian Nationalism grabbing headlines and shaping conversations. But part of “not conforming” means learning to discern—the Bible calls this wisdom or spiritual insight.
In the Old Testament, the “sons of Issachar” were known for knowing what Israel should do, because they understood the times (1 Chronicles 12:32). That’s our call, too: to pay attention, not just to politics or social movements, but to what God is up to right now. Sometimes, that means not getting caught up in fear, anger, or division, even if those things seem to be everywhere in our culture—including our churches.
Jesus called out religious leaders who could predict the weather but missed what God was doing right in front of them. Don’t let anyone—no matter how powerful or popular—convince you to trade away love, justice, or truth for the sake of fitting in with a crowd, a political movement, or a national identity.
The Real Meaning of Church
This is where things get practical. When you hear “church,” maybe you think of a building, a denomination, or even a voting bloc. But in the Bible, “church” means “the called-out ones.” It’s about people who belong to Jesus and are set apart—not because of politics, race, or tradition, but because of their love for God and for each other.
Church isn’t about gaining power or defending territory. It’s about being a people who are radically committed to following Jesus—even when it costs us something. That means refusing to be defined by partisan slogans or nationalistic pride. The real church crosses every boundary and welcomes people from every background. God’s kingdom is bigger than any nation or party.
Putting It All Together
So what does all this mean for you—right here, right now? It means you don’t have to simply accept the status quo, whether that’s in politics, religion, or your social group. You can live differently. You can let God change you from the inside out—helping you see through the noise, discern what’s really going on, and have the courage to follow Jesus, even when it’s unpopular.
You don’t have to shout, argue, or fight to prove your faith. Instead, you can quietly and boldly live out love, justice, kindness, and humility. That’s what it means to not conform—especially in an age when everyone’s trying to squeeze you into their mold.
Don’t be afraid to stand out, not for your own sake, but to reflect the love, grace, and transforming power of God in a world that desperately needs it. That’s what it really means to live different—to take God seriously, no matter what age or culture we find ourselves in.
Minister A Francine Green – July 2025
afrancinegreen.com 