"Do not conform any longer 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

There are plenty of ways not to conform to the norm: refusing to watch "Frozen", never owning a pair of Chacos at a Baptist university, or never eating peanut butter cheesecake on a Sunday afternoon at the school cafeteria. However, this is not the kind of nonconforming that Paul was referring to when he wrote Romans. I believe that he was talking about not conforming to sins around us. The sins that so many people commit, that we find ourselves asking, “Is that really a sin?” If you have to ask yourself that question, the answer is probably YES!! We cannot help wanting to be a part of the world: we are safe, accepted, and not questioned. We are missing the point. We should want to be questioned about why we are different- that is what leads others to Christ! When we stand up for what they believe in by not conforming to what everyone else is doing, while still living fulfilled lives, those around us will take notice.

Non-Christians can obviously still be happy and successful, but there will come a time in their lives when they ask themselves “What am I missing?” It is our job, as Christians, to show others that our lives are complete with Christ as our best friend. If we attempt not to conform to sin, we have so much more time to be fulfilling God’s plan for our lives.

Nonconforming is not an easy task; it takes boldness. There are temptations, but when we stop trying to be accepted by everyone and focus on forming a closer relationship with our Savior then we will be noticed by those who are trying to “complete” their own lives.

Don’t be afraid to be different from those around you. Only dead fish go with the flow.