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Conformation

           Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. (Romans 12:2)

Jesus answered, “If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? You must follow me.” (John 21:22)

When we read Romans 12:2, we tend to think it requires us to live differently from the people around us in the world. And it does. But as I thought about it this morning, Prince Caspian (C.S. Lewis) came to mind. In that story, Lucy sees Aslan when none of her siblings do, and she doesn’t follow him because her siblings don’t believe her and won’t cooperate. Aslan later chides Lucy for not following even if it meant going alone. I’m not suggesting that The Chronicles of Narnia be consider equal with Scripture in teaching us how to relate to God, I am suggesting that there are times when, as Christians, we are called to walk a different path and therefore, to not fit in.

The second passage quoted above was Jesus’ response when Peter questioned Him about His intentions about John. This is the real back  up to the idea that God can and does have plans for individuals that aren’t all identical to everyone else’s. Perhaps that’s why it doesn’t say to be conformed to the Church. That, and being conformed to the Church makes the Church God. Also, the Church is made up of human beings, and we have a tendency to go wrong.

                This doesn’t mean to be a wild radical, either against the world or the Church. The goal isn’t to glorify ourselves through our rebellion. It’s to glorify God through our love of God, obedience to God and faith in God. We should seek to conform ourselves to His image. That’s what we were made for. Anything else is a lie.

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