Trying to Fit In

 

Romans 12: 1&2

1: I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.

2: And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

 

The dictionary defines Conforming as “fashioning oneself according to another’s expectation or standard”. To use every day language … trying to “Fit In”. Here are 7 reasons why we should not try to “Fit In” to this world’s standards or expectations.

 

1.                  Trying to Fit In – Will rob you of your unique identity.

As evidence by our fingerprints and DNA, God created us as unique individuals to fulfill a specific assignment and plan. Why be a clone when you can lead an exciting and fulfilling life as the person who God created you to be. Keep your identity.

 

2.                  Trying to Fit In – Will keep you from realizing your full potential.

Conforming is pretty much like an all-in-one appliance. It’s capable of doing many things but none at optimum level. To become all things to all people, you will have to loose or give up something special or important. Live to your full potential.

 

3.                    Trying to Fit In – Will cause you to behave contrary to your beliefs.

The world sets pretty low standards for itself. We know that God’s standards will cause us to reach up. Conforming will force you to adopt some of these low standards. Examine the type of music you listen to, the type of language you use and the types of movies you watch. Are they up to God’s standards? Reach higher.

 

4.                   Trying to Fit In – Shows a lack of strength.

It takes a real man or woman to stand firm in their Christian conviction. Conforming will sap your strength and render you useless in your Christian battle against the enemy of your soul. It can be as simple joining the crowd in laughing at the awkward boy or not so pretty girl. Be strong.

 

5.                   Trying to Fit In – Will limit your personal satisfaction.

Conforming will cause you to rate your level of satisfaction on the world’s approval. The world is unstable and fickle. Today it will applaud you and tomorrow it will poke fun at you. Why invest time and energy trying to please a system that just does not care. Please God.  

 

6.                  Trying to Fit In – Will take you away from God.

Conforming will cause you to think like Lot and make decisions based on the wrong criteria. Lot chose what he taught was the best land and to Fit In, kept silent in the midst of the vile and un-Godly bahaviour in the city of Sodom. In the end he was so far away from God that it took the physical intervention of an angel to save him. Stay close to God.

 

7.                  Trying to Fit In – Will kill you spiritually.

The story of Judas Iscariot is a sad one. Here was one of a very select group that was chosen to spend quality time with Jesus over a long period. Yet despite being so close to the Saviour, he chose to “Fit in” with those that despised Jesus and betrayed him. Judas not only lost his life but his place in the kingdom. Choose life.

 

How do we avoid conforming?

 

Trying to Fit In is a dangerous pastime for any one seeking to build a strong relationship with God. How do you guard against this most deceptive and deadly weapon of Satan? The bible offers us very practical and clear instructions:

 

Matthew 6:33: But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

 

Live to please God. It’s as simple as that.