A Practical, Down-to-Earth Look at What It Means to Follow a Different Path
Getting Real About Conformity
“Don’t conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”
If you’ve ever felt like you’re swimming against the current, you’re not alone. It’s tough not to just go with the flow—especially when it feels like everyone else is doing it. Whether it’s trends on social media, pressures at work or school, or even expectations from family and friends, the urge to fit in is everywhere. Our world loves sameness; it celebrates blending in. But the Bible gives us a different challenge: don’t just copy what everyone else is doing. Instead, let God change you from the inside out.
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. put it powerfully: “Do not conform” is difficult advice in a generation when crowd pressures have unconsciously conditioned our minds and feet to move to the rhythmic drumbeat of the status quo. Many voices and forces urge us to choose the path of least resistance, and bid us never to fight for an unpopular cause and never to be found in a pathetic minority’s of two or three.
Let’s break that down in simple terms: being different—especially for the right reasons—can be lonely and hard. But, as Christians, we’re called to stick out, not blend in.
“If It Feels Good, Do It”: The World’s Motto vs. God’s Wisdom
A few decades ago, the phrase “If it feels good, do it” was everywhere. It sounds great, but not everything that feels good is actually good for us. Imagine if everyone did only what felt good—who would do the hard but necessary things, like apologizing, working through tough times, or acting with integrity when nobody’s watching?
The truth is, sometimes the right thing is uncomfortable, unpopular, or even painful. God is asking us to live by a higher standard, one that isn’t driven by what’s trending or what feels easy.
Inside-Out Change: Transformation Begins With the Mind
The Bible doesn’t just say “don’t do what everyone else does”—it goes deeper. Romans 12:2 tells us to be transformed by the renewing of our minds. This is an inside job. Real change starts with how we think.
What does “renewing your mind” mean?
It’s like upgrading your operating system. Instead of running on the default settings of the world (selfishness, pride, materialism), God wants to change the way you see things—your priorities, your motives, and your reactions. It’s a process, not a one-time fix.
– Transformation isn’t about looking different on the outside; it’s about being different on the inside.
– It’s not just about following rules, but about letting God rewrite your mindset and values.
The Result: Knowing God’s Will
When you let God renew your mind, you start to see and understand what He wants for your life. Romans 12:2 says that when you’re transformed, you’ll be able to know what God’s will is—His good, pleasing, and perfect will.
Most people want to know: “What’s God’s plan for me?” The answer starts here. By letting God change your thinking, you’ll be better able to recognize what’s truly good, what leads to real satisfaction, and what fits into God’s bigger purpose.
Conforming vs. Transforming: Why Does It Matter?
Let’s face it: blending in is easier. No one likes being left out or misunderstood. Churches sometimes fall into the trap of focusing too much on being “relevant” or fitting in with culture—trying so hard to look cool, hip, or modern that the message gets watered down. But Jesus didn’t worry about fitting in. He spoke the truth, even when it wasn’t popular. He challenged the norms of His day, often standing out in the crowd.
As Christians, we’re called to a higher loyalty. Our first allegiance isn’t to what’s trending—it’s to God, His kingdom, and His ways.
Loyalty to a Different Kingdom
Dr. King said, “We are called to be people of conviction, not conformity; of moral nobility, not social respectability.” That means we’re supposed to live differently—according to God’s standards, not the world’s ever-changing trends.
Philippians 3:20-21 tells us, “But we are a colony of heaven on earth…” In other words, even though we live here, our true home, our true citizenship, is in heaven. Our values, our decisions, our lives should reflect that.
What Does Transformation Look Like?
It’s practical. Transformation shows up in ordinary choices:
· Saying “no” to gossip, even when everyone else is doing it.
· Choosing kindness over revenge.
· Standing up for what’s right, even if it costs you something.
· Treating others with respect, regardless of how they treat you.
· Choosing honesty when dishonesty would make life easier.
· Maintaining faith in God’s promises, even when circumstances look bleak.
· Resisting the temptation to “just fit in” when you know it’s not what God wants.
Transformation doesn’t mean you’ll never struggle or feel pressure to conform. It means you’ll keep letting God change you, day by day, thought by thought.
The Role of Community and Accountability
Doing life differently is easier with support. The Christian life isn’t meant to be a solo journey. Seek out relationships with others who also want to be transformed, not conformed. Encourage each other, pray for each other, and hold each other accountable.
It’s okay to be part of a “minority of two or three.” Standing out for the right reason is worth it.
Presenting Ourselves: Living Sacrifice
Romans 12:1 urges believers to present their bodies as a living sacrifice. That means giving your everyday life to God—your time, energy, talents, and relationships. It’s a reasonable response to God’s mercy and love. Transformation is ongoing; it doesn’t stop at the mind. It’s how you live, move, and have your being.
Barriers to Transformation
What keeps us from changing?
· The desire for comfort and approval.
· Fear of standing out or being rejected.
· Habitual ways of thinking that are hard to break.
· The constant influence of culture, media, and popular opinion.
But God’s Spirit is greater than any barrier. He works with us, little by little, helping us renew our minds, strengthen our will, and shape our character.
The Process: Conversion, Sanctification, and Renewal
Conversion is the beginning—the moment you choose to follow Jesus. Sanctification is the process—the day-in, day-out work of becoming more like Him. Renewal of the mind is ongoing, as you let God challenge your old ways of thinking and teach you new ones.
The goal? To reflect God’s image—to become more loving, more truthful, more righteous, and more holy.
Don’t Settle for Conformity
The world offers shortcuts and easy answers, but they don’t last. God’s call to transformation is deeper and richer. It’s an invitation to real life—a life marked by peace, purpose, and joy.
When you feel tempted to “just go along,” remember: conformity is comfortable, but transformation is powerful.
Blessings and Hope
Transformation isn’t a one-time event—it’s a life-long journey. But God walks with you every step of the way. His Spirit changes minds, heals hearts, and shapes lives.
Let your life prove what is good, pleasing, and perfect in God’s eyes. Be transformed, not conformed. That’s how you’ll truly find what you were made for.
Blessings!
Minister A Francine Green
August 2025
afrancinegreen.com 