How Voluntary and Involuntary Influences Shape Us—and Why It Matters
We often hear about “conformity,” but what does it really mean? Put simply, conformity is about how we end up going along with the crowd. There are two main ways this happens.
Two Ways We Conform
1. Voluntary Conformity: Making a Choice
Sometimes, we choose to support certain political ideas, economic plans, or ways of thinking. When we do this, we’re making a conscious decision to follow or back an idea, movement, or system. It’s like saying, “I believe in this, so I’m on board.” This is voluntary conformity—something we do on purpose.
2. Involuntary Conformity: Going With the Flow Without Noticing
Other times, we don’t even realize we’re conforming. We pick up beliefs, habits, and attitudes from the world around us—things that are so much a part of our era that we hardly even notice them. These hidden influences include unwritten rules, taboos, and “truths” that everyone seems to accept. They’re the background music of our lives, shaping us unconsciously.
Why This Matters Right Now
Today, it’s easy to get swept up in whatever’s trending, whether it’s a political stance, a social cause, or a popular belief. Each generation faces the job of asking, “What are the unique pressures and assumptions of my time?” It’s not enough to just fit in; we need to look beneath the surface and question the foundations of our society.
Looking Deeper Than What’s Popular
Just because something is widely supported—even if it sounds good or lines up with values like justice or caring for the marginalized—doesn’t mean it’s true to our deepest beliefs. Real wisdom is about asking, “Am I following this because it’s right, or just because it’s popular?” True discernment means going beyond what’s trending and making sure our choices reflect what we truly stand for.
Why Blind Conformity Isn’t Enough
Society is full of invisible influences—traditions, media, government, and trends—that shape how we act, what we value, and what we believe. Most of the time, these things push us to fit in without even realizing it. But if we look at life through the teachings of Jesus, we see that we’re called to question what’s popular and ask whether it lines up with values like love, justice, and humility.
Real Change Starts From the Inside
If we want to make the world a better place, we should let God work in us first. When the Holy Spirit changes our hearts and minds, we start to act differently—and those choices can influence the world around us. If all Christians truly lived out this kind of change, it could spark a real transformation in society. Instead of just blending in, we’d shine as examples of love and hope.
Renewing the Way We Think
Not conforming starts with a “renewal of your mind”—letting God change how you see the world. It’s about stepping back from society’s standards and seeing things through the eyes of Christ. This new way of thinking helps us spot what lines up with God’s truth—and what doesn’t.
Seeing With Fresh Eyes
It’s not just about doing things differently; it’s about seeing and understanding life in a whole new way. Looking at life through the lens of Jesus helps us gain a deeper, wiser understanding—one that looks past the obvious and sees what really matters.
Loving God With All We Are
To me, having a renewed mind means loving God with your thoughts as well as your feelings. When the gospel changes how we think, it empowers us to help bring real change to our world.
Living Out Our Faith With Purpose
This kind of transformation should align with God’s will, delight Him, and be done with thoughtfulness and care.
So, let’s ask ourselves: If we truly take to heart the call not to conform, what kind of attitude should we have as Christians in today’s world?
Why It Matters for the Church Today
Our time faces big changes and challenges, and Christians can’t ignore them or pretend they don’t matter. The church sometimes misses out on addressing real issues that affect people’s lives, and when that happens, its voice can seem unclear or irrelevant.
One thing that doesn’t get talked about much is the role of dying to self as a powerful force in our world. Many people, including Christians, rarely think about it, brushing it off as old-fashioned or only mentioning it now and then—missing out on its real impact on our faith.
And finally, America’s struggles with race are real and measurable—not just dramatic talk. When people push ideas like “America is always right,” it can lead to harmful consequences. Blindly following such beliefs isn’t just about having a small, private faith—it’s about missing the bigger picture and letting destructive ideas go unchallenged.
Let’s stay awake, think deeply, and let our faith shape how we live, speak, and stand up for truth in our world.
Minister A Francine Green
January 2026
afrancinegreen.com 