Standing Alone While Outnumbered

I believe we all like to think of ourselves as individualists; that we march to the beat of our own drum. More times than not, that's further from the truth than we are willing to admit. Truthfully, it's scary to be perceived as different. We generally prefer to "blend in" with others and be a part of something larger than ourselves. We actively pursue a sense of belonging. Fear of rejection is a very real human emotion. When you're not accepted by some group of people for whatever reason, it hurts very badly. I think we all have a fear of looking foolish, being talked about, and misunderstood. Such fears hold us captive, paralyze us to the point of not being able to act at all, and stall our creativity. In our sincere efforts in trying not to stick out like a sore thumb, we will feel pressure to conform to the collective opinion of the majority, even when we know it's wrong.

In order to achieve personal excellence we have to overcome the temptation to conform to the mold of others. To "conform" means to assume an outward expression that does not come from within. If I am participating in a less than Christ-like activity on the outside when I know on the inside it is wrong, I am conforming to the world's standards. So how do we keep from conforming to the world? By renewing our minds (Rom. 12: 1-2). We are urged, not asked or suggested by Paul, to be a "holy...living" sacrifice. Do we keep crawling off the altar? This passage addresses the point of presenting our inner Christ-likeness outwardly by our actions. The "Sunday Christian" will lack the spiritual fortitude to stand alone, against all odds, Monday through Saturday, because their heart's (translated "soul's") not in it. We need to consciously re-present our bodies and re-dedicate our minds daily to serve God in order to keep ourselves on track. You may be a stronger Christian than me, and you may not feel the need to do this like I do. You may be the straightest arrow in the quiver. If so, I admire you. Personally, I have to remind myself daily WHO I belong to.

The commitments of the world, which are money, fame, power, and pleasure, get to all of us to some degree. That's why we need to be on guard against these things destroying our eternal inheritance.

Money is a necessary tool. It can buy everything but class. I know. Unfortunately, I've met a few classless, wealthy people.

Fame, the celebrity mindset, comes from wanting to be recognized as somebody in someone else's eyes.

Power comes from wanting to have influence or control over others in order to manipulate them to your own benefit.

Pleasure is doing what feels good now regardless of what consequence may arise from it later.

Now, let me draw your attention to 1 Corinthians 15: 33 which states, "Bad company corrupts good manners." Moses warned the Israelites about this (Deut. 6: 10-15) before they entered Canaan. He told them they would encounter worldly blessings but to not forget their escape from Egyptian bondage. Moses was warning them not to worship other gods because they had failed in completely driving out the Canaanites from the land. In not totally eliminating the enemy as they were told, the Israelites allowed the Canaanites to live among them and have a bad influence on them. They thought they could neutralize the Canaanites' influence by enslaving them, but it was futile. Before long, the Israelites were worshipping the Canaanites' idols and engaging in depraved behavior just like them and with them (Judg. 1: 21-33; 3: 5-6). In order to see where I'm going with this point, bear in mind that neither Hugh Hefner nor Larry Flynt created pornography first. The ancient Canaanite culture was famous for it. The remaining Canaanite inhabitants were eventually destroyed by rampant sexually transmitted diseases, if that tells you anything.

So how's your own Monday to Saturday life? There are absolutely no Christians among the people I work with weekly. I would be lying if I said they never had any influence on me. If I'm not careful, I could get to sounding as foul-mouthed as they are. I have to bite my tongue often. I have to remind myself of Who's I am again and that He wants my love and loyalty directed towards Him (Deut. 6: 13-19).

How can you ground yourself when you're standing alone? Tell yourself:

1. God is my standard and security.

2. I must not forget God.

3. I am accountable to Him.

4. I alone am responsible for my actions.

For reinforcement, read: James 5: 8; 2 Thessalonians 2: 15; 1 Corinthians 15: 58; and Ephesians 6: 14.

Love Ya,
God Bless!