Transformed, Not Conformed

Your truth over comfort

Your will over popularity

Your presence over influence  

The world is in such a hurry to get the latest gadget, to be first to arrive or to have the newest thing.  We must have it yesterday!  There’s no time to wait or be patient -whether with things or with people.  It must be yesterday, or at the very latest, today!

Recently, I returned home from a vacation in Cape Verde, off the coast of West Africa.  Imagine the scene: a five-star resort with hundreds of guests, all vying for a sunbed by the pool, perfectly positioned to catch the sun. Everyone trying to claim their lido for the day.  It’s not just a holiday-it’s a competitive sport.

So, with eager determination I rose at the crack of dawn, with towels and books tucked under my arms, I marched my way towards the pool area like the final lap of a relay race. A lady was walking ahead of me; in my thoughts I knew she was heading to the same destination, the pool arena. Our pace quickened—my steps just fast enough to beat her to that perfect lido spot in front of the pool.

As I marched forward, determined to outpace the woman ahead of me, I noticed she was also walking briskly. Before I knew it, we had both broken into a light jog. In that very moment, the Holy Spirit spoke to me—clearly and unmistakably: "What are you doing?" “Do not conform to the patterns or behaviours of this world, and certainly not over a lido.”

I then in that moment came to my senses and immediately slowed down, realising how ridiculous the situation was. This was meant to be a relaxing getaway, yet here I was, caught up in what felt more like an Olympic sprint—with beach accessories in tow. The Holy Spirit was right, of course! So, I began to reimagine, how can I truly live beyond the patterns and behaviours of this world? It’s this very question that led me to write this blog.

Can we as Christians, dare to believe in and re-imagine a life truly transformed?  Absolutely!  Now is the time to ‘let go’ and allow Jesus to take the lead in your life.  Trust the process.

What does it look like to live a life set apart, a life of holiness? Living a life transformed, means living a life set apart.  It speaks to our personal calling as followers of Jesus to pursue holiness. A way of life that is distinct from the values and patterns of the secular world. As Leviticus 20:26 reminds us “You shall be holy to me, for I the Lord am Holy and have separated you from the world, that you should be mine.” We are invited by our Heavenly Father to be holy unto Him.

What does this personally look like? This looks like choosing to love over pride, truth over convenience, and grace over judgement.  It means living with integrity when no one is watching. We are to forgive others when it is hard, and to serve when it is inconvenient.  This is not about perfection but pursuing God’s heart daily.  We cannot do this in our own strength, we get to do this by allowing the Holy Spirit to shape our thoughts, actions and outcomes.

“But now you must be holy in everything you do,

just as God who chose you is holy.

For the Scriptures say,

You must be holy because I am holy.”

(1 Peter 1:15-16)

Kingdom over culture is a power declaration to our faith, in what we believe as a spiritual priority.  We are declaring to those around us in placing God’s Kingdom above the social norms, trends of traditions.  Dearly beloved, this is not always easy, but most necessary if we are to live a Kingdom culture, here on earth.

Are we choosing to live by the values of God’s Kingdom through the actions  and mindsets of abiding love, grace, truth or justice, rather than conforming to cultural, patterns, pressures or worldly systems? Or is it easier to live by the norm or status quo, that can internally get out of control, just like me at the pool.  Our desires, our flesh gets in the way to what is important in living a transformed life.

Our identity is ultimately rooted as citizens of Heaven (Phil 3:20). We are not defined by earthly culture or confined by its expectations.   To live set apart is to walk in the world but not be ruled by it. We are in the world, but not of it. In other words “We are passing through, not staying.”  As believers we live in the world but are called to live differently from it.

Through countercultural living, we are called to reflect Jesus in every aspect of our lives—even when it means going against the grain. It means swimming upstream, standing firm when popular opinion sways, and choosing Christ over comfort, even when it challenges societal norms or the expectations of others.

To live this way is not always easy, but it is deeply meaningful. It’s a daily decision to align our lives with the values of the Kingdom rather than the culture around us. It’s choosing humility over pride, truth over compromise, and love over indifference.  This takes strength and determination!

Are we truly living with a ‘Kingdom over culture mindset?  This is more than a lifestyle -It’s a posture of the heart. This challenges us to re-examine whether our values, (the decisions that we make), and identity are shaped by the truths of God’s Kingdom. We live in an age that constantly pulls us in different directions and ways.  Here we are invited to live a continual connection with Jesus, guided by the Holy Spirit and grounded in discernment.

How can we live a counterculture lifestyle?  We are encouraged by the Holy Spirit to be vigilant against the unswerving pressure of worldly conformity.  Resist cultural norms that conflicts with Kingdom values.  We are encouraged to pray without ceasing.  To seek, aim at, strive after the Kingdom of God first. The sealed promise: and all these things shall be added unto you. (Matt 6:33).  

What does it mean “and all these things shall be added unto you? When we priorities our relationship with God.  When we live according to His will, values, and purposes for us as His children, He will take care of all our material needs.  We don’t need to be anxious or hyper focused on worldly concerns in the ‘getting’.

As children of God, we are required to embody the very characteristics as Kingdom culture.  This means to pursue love, be full of humility, to love justice and be full of mercy and truth.  To become the absolute embodiment of Jesus in loving others with true compassion and empathy.  When we live this way, we don’t just follow a set of rules, we reveal the very nature of the One we belong to. Let’s re-imagine who we are becoming in Jesus.

What does the Lord require of you?

To do justice, and to love kindness,

and to walk humbly with your God?

(Micah 6:8)

Living God’s way allows God to be the steady guiding tiller and solid foundation of our being.  This enables our Heavenly Father to shape and mould us into His likeness according to His word.  Through a lifestyle that aligns us with truth, meaning and purpose.  Liken to a Kingdom moral compass in a world of shifting sand and fleeting values. 

Living God’s way means we are not conditioned to conform to this world’s standards, patterns or behaviours.  This internal change takes time to nurture, morph, and to cultivate our behaviour patterns. Ultimately, living God’s way is not just about this life-it’s all about eternity with Him.  We are in this for eternity.

We are invited through scriptures to live a life that reflects the character and beauty of Jesus, that aligns us to His stable values and Kingdom culture.  Through a renewed sound mind and a resilient open heart, we are empowered to live in alignment with God’s will, embracing His truth over the clutter and noise of this world. 

So too are we are called to be different, to be that of Jesus. To be consecrated and set apart.  We need to pray for courage to stand alone. To be unshaken, unaffected by the world’s ideology. I am not saying here, we must live in seclusion from the world or live in a monastery somewhere tucked away high in the mountains.  What I am saying is this, it’s ok to be different from the norm to stand alone, even when it feels uncomfortable.  Sometimes, standing apart is exactly where we’re meant to be. 

What I am alluding to is this: let us not conform to the patterns or way of acting of this world.  But instead let us live through a transformed mind.  Give yourself time and permission to re-ignite who we are in Jesus and how we display the love and passion of Jesus to those around us.  Let there be a holy fire resistance within us to be different, we do not have to follow the behaviour and norms of this world.  We are to be changed from the inside out.

We are called out as a ‘living sacrifice’: An offering.  To offer our bodies as a fragrant sacrifice, holy and devoted to God- is our true worship.  This is the call to live in holiness.  We are not called to be so spiritually minded that we’re of no earthly good. We are called to be pure, to be kind, to be patient, to be full of love and mercy, to be authentic and to be transparent for those around us to see the identity that sits within each one of us: Jesus!

Take away…

How do we break free from the worlds grip?

We are encouraged throughout scripture to renew our minds daily.  To be fully accountable first to Jesus and to those whom God places in our lives, especially those who live in a way that reflects, Jesus.

Instead of absorbing the world’s limited values, the so-called ‘must haves’ or ‘be the firsts’, we are called to a higher place that allows God to shape our thinking and desires.  In Rom 12:2, we are commanded: “Not to conform to the patterns of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”

Here are some pointers that may help you:

1. Spend time reading God’s word.  Allow the Holy Spirit to breathe within the pages of these powerful, life changing sacred writings, to speak the idea of release, surrender, and trust in a higher plan and authority that will change and transform our limited thinking and outlandish behaviours.

2. To pray regularly.  Spend meaningful time talking with God to help reset your mind to re-imagine and re-story.  To embrace a new and pure way of living, thinking and behaving. This practice releases impulsive desires and must haves, allowing you to find peace and contentment in the now with Jesus.

3. To look deeper and reflect on God’s truth over worldly opinions and values. This anchors our hearts and minds in Kingdom wisdom, and spiritual reflection.  Ask yourself: How does God see me right now?

4. To be accountable to a trusted believer, who is spiritually mature.  Who has the characteristics of being honest, truthful and compassionate.  A trusted believer is someone who doesn’t just tickle our ears with fanciful ideals or tells us what we want to hear, but rather a friend, mentor or leader, who lovingly challenges us with truth -even when it’s hard to embrace.  This kind of relationship is character-building. Helping us grow into maturity.

5. Be Transparent.  Be open about the things you struggle with -both internally and externally.  Vulnerability may feel difficult for some, but it ultimately builds trust and sets you on the right path.  Keynote: Start by sharing with a trusted friend, mentor or leader something small that you need help, support or prayer with.

6. Believe in hope.  That this is possible.  God can change us from the inside out, if we let go and let God in.  

Being set apart or living a holy lifestyle does not mean we become Judge or Juror. It means living with radical love, honesty and grace.  To show kindness even when it’s hard to do.  Forgive quickly -even in everyday moments.   For instance, when a car pulls out in front of you and then drives at 20 miles an hour, or when someone cuts in line at the check-out.  Be mindful of our behaviours in that moment. Avoid reacting, act in the way Jesus would.

These small acts of grace shape a heart that reflects Christ’s love, patience and compassion. Ask God to bless them and see what happens!  Remember- “it’s time to let go and allow Jesus into the situation.” This is counterculture!  Let’s release the world’s grip on our minds and hearts and embrace a way of living that allows us to be continually transformed into the likeness and character of Jesus.

Let’s pray….

Father, I come before you with an open heart

ready to be changed and shaped by your truth.

The world around me is so loud with opinions,

distractions, and pressures from every side,

pulling me away from Your purpose for my life.

Thank you that your word is my anchor,

my true north, my compass, and my guiding light.

Help me not to conform to the patterns and

behaviours of this world, with its fleeting values

and empty promises.

Instead renew my mind and transform me each day

so, I may walk continually in Your ways.

Transform me from the inside out,

to be more like you Jesus.

Teach me to walk in your footsteps,

with grace, mercy, peace and contentment,

I choose today your truth over comfort,

Your will over popularity,

Your presence over world influence.

Help me to live and breathe a transformed life.

Amen!

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