Years ago I encountered a very unusual and unforgettable lady. She was a patient in the Rehab Center where I worked. She did not always want to be fully cooperative with the agendas and expectations others had for her during her Rehab stay. She would often protest out loud shouting “ I’m a non-conformist. I’m a non-conformist!” This amused many of us and we even joked about getting some T-shirts made to wear ourselves. Interestingly, the Bible talks about circumstances where Christians should adopt the posture of a non- conformist too.
“I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” (12:1-2)
Christians are meant to be involved in the world around us. We are expected, however, to stand apart so that our actions, interactions and decisions should reflect Christ to the world. The 12th and 13th chapters of Romans give us many guidelines to consider and implement.
1. Do not conform to pride but be humble. “For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned.” (12:3)
2. Do not conform to the evil of selfish ambition. “Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor.” (12:9-10)
3. Do not conform to pessimistic negativity. “Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.” (12:12)
4. Do not conform to greed and lack of compassion. “Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality.” (12:13)
5. Do not conform to anger and retaliation. “Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them.” (12:14). “Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.”” (12:17-19)
6. Do not conform to rebellion and lack of respect for authority. “Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. (13:1)
7. Do not conform to the dark or immoral behaviors. “The night is far gone; the day is at hand. So then let us cast off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light.” (13:12) “But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires. ”(13:14).
As a Christian, it is ok to be a “non-conformist” because we are set apart by God to be a light in the midst of a darkened world. God wants us to think differently, act differently, and love differently. He wants us to be transformed as we submit to His Spirit to reflect the amazing love, grace and mercy that Christ has shown to us. Of course, God gives us His Word to guide us, His Spirit to transform us and His love to spill out as it overflows to impact those around us. There may be times when it seems that evil prevails but God wants us to persevere even if we feel that we are the only one. “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” (12:21)