The Bible advises against succumbing to external influences that are inconsistent with God’s teachings, urging us to remain true to the principles set out in his word.
Who Should We Conform To According To The Bible?
The Bible urges individuals to conform only to the image of Jesus Christ. He models the perfect example of values and conduct to aspire to, deviating from worldly ways. He is described as the expressed image of God and has demonstrated a life of love, obedience, and humility. This Christ-like likeness isn’t solely about imitating his behaviors but also involves sharing his selfless love and compassion. It is about achieving a genuine transformation from within that impacts our actions towards others.
Why Does The Bible Warn Against Conforming To The World?
The Bible’s teaching warns concrete against conforming to the prevalent standards and philosophies of the current world. The reason? Such worldly standards often conflict with God’s principles. They encourage self-indulgence, pride and often exclude God from decision-making processes. On the contrary, God’s teachings inculcate humility, empathy, patience, and love, reminding us to involve Him in every aspect of our lives.
What Is The Bible’s Alternative To Conformity?
Instead of promoting conformity, the Bible tells us about spiritual transformation. Rather than adapting to the patterns of this world, we are instructed to transform our minds and renew our thoughts. Such transformation implies developing a deep understanding of God and aligning our life and character with God’s revealed will. This internal transformation leads to a Christ-like character, which in turn influences behavior that is consistent with God’s teachings.
Where Does The Strength To Resist Conformity Come From?
Any struggle against conformity finds strength in the word of God. The Bible places emphasis on the value of God’s word as it is proven to guide, guard, and give wisdom needed to resist conformity’s temptations. The foundation of this resistance is a personal relationship with God, nurtured through prayer, study of the word and constant connection with God. These acts empower believers to remain firm in their faith and disobedience to worldly temptations, adhering instead to God’s teachings and instructions.
When Should We Begin To Resist Conformity?
The resistance against conformity ought to begin as soon as we become believers. The Bible encourages believers to take an immediate stance against conformity by renewing their minds and committing to Christ-like living upon accepting Christ. With commitment comes the need to navigate life’s challenges using the Bible’s teachings. Thus, resisting conformity is not an isolated event but a continuous process in the life of a believer that commences immediately after coming to the knowledge of the truth through Christ.
Below is the full list of bible verses on conformity (King James Version – KJV). The list is ranked in order of popularity and we hope you find the inspiration you need.
Most Popular Bible Verses About Conformity
Romans 12:1-2
“1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.”
1 Peter 1:14
“14 As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance:”
Related Themes: Lust Holiness Obedience Reputation Lust
1 John 2:15-17
“15 Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.17 And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.”
Related Themes: Lust Pride Money Social Justice
Romans 12:2
“2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.”
Related Themes: Complaining Lust Creativity Attitude Business
Psalm 1:1-6
“1 Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.2 But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.3 And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.4 The ungodly are not so: but are like the chaff which the wind driveth away.5 Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous.6 For the LORD knoweth the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish.”
Related Themes: Reaping Frustration Reaping What You Sow Bullying Gossip
1 John 4:1
“1 Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.”
Related Themes: Discernment Confusion Lying Judging Others Magic
John 15:18-19
“18 If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you.19 If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you.”
Related Themes: Persecution Rejection Hate Persecution
Romans 13:1-5
“1 Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.2 Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation.3 For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same:4 For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil.5 Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake.”
Related Themes: Respecting Your Parents Politics Morality Sovereignty
Leviticus 18:3
“3 After the doings of the land of Egypt, wherein ye dwelt, shall ye not do: and after the doings of the land of Canaan, whither I bring you, shall ye not do: neither shall ye walk in their ordinances.”
Exodus 23:2
“2 Thou shalt not follow a multitude to do evil; neither shalt thou speak in a cause to decline after many to wrest judgment:”
Related Themes: Justice Social Justice Justice
James 4:4
“4 Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.”
Related Themes: Lust Dating Social Justice Adultery Morality
Romans 8:29
“29 For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.”
Related Themes: Holiness Sovereignty Omnipotence Suffering
Proverbs 14:15
“15 The simple believeth every word: but the prudent man looketh well to his going.”
Romans 12:1
“1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.”
1 Corinthians 1:10
“10 Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.”
Related Themes: Teamwork Division Working Together Cliques Community
Isaiah 55:8
“8 For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD.”
Related Themes: Greatness Omnipotence Transcendence Nervousness Wisdom
