Nonconformist
It’s always nice to get an attentive, helpful worker in a retail store when you need assistance. If they are extra kind, you take notice. It happened to me in a memorable exchange years ago. It was in a Home Depot where the guy helping me was so over-the-top caring that I had to ask, “Are you a Christian?” Of course, I wouldn’t have asked unless I was convinced by his attitude and behavior he was. But, instead, he very politely gave his answer: “No.” I don’t think I’ve asked any strangers that question since!
Christians can make themselves evident by godly behavior. But that’s not necessarily a guarantee they’re the real deal. For example, as I learned, some unbelievers practice qualities like kindness and humility, making them appear Christian. But unfortunately, believers’ behavior too often belies the fact that they represent Christ. So, how does one spot an actual Christian? The late pastor, theologian, and author John Stott relayed the following story:
I’ve recently come back from India where I heard of a little Hindu girl brought up in a strict Hindu family, who had come across Christians. Somebody asked her one day what she thought a Christian was. She thought for a few moments and replied, “Well, as far as I can see, a Christian is somebody who is different from everybody else.” Would that it was true.
The goal is to be different. Being different doesn’t make one a Christian, but that’s the goal. However, unlike the unbeliever, it’s not just a matter of learning to be a pleasant person. Nor is it simply all about external change. That’s religion. Religion says to dress a certain way, don’t eat certain foods, stay away from certain people and places, a list of do’s and don’ts.
Reaching the goal includes learning to be “living sacrifices.” Paul wrote, “…present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice…” (Romans 12:1). It begins with the process of putting it all on the altar for Christ. Does everything genuinely belong to God? Can you identify things you are withholding? Those are guaranteed to be obstacles to reflecting Jesus.
Next, Paul says, “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind” (Romans 12:2). Being different from the world requires different thinking. Without renewed minds, we default to following worldly philosophies. One doesn’t necessarily have to be intentional about adopting secular thinking. Conforming is easy.
Living sacrifices are intentional about dedicating themselves to learning how to live for the One to whom they’ve given everything. It is a deliberate choice to be a nonconformist. He’s given us everything we need for renewed minds: His Word and our divine Instructor, the Holy Spirit.
“I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me.” —Galatians 2:20