Fitting in? With whom?

I love walking among students who are in their early teen years! They are not sophisticated enough to hide their feelings, but are old enough to act somewhat independently of their parents. The 'herd mentality' is fully evidenced by their imitation of the leader of the pack. Whatever she wears becomes 'the look' others attempt to copy. His words, even the tone of those words, becomes the pattern for his friends. Mass media now makes it possible for a single girl (at this moment think Miley Cyrus, a.k.a. - Hannah Montana) to become the model for millions. Her 'look' is the look if you're a 13 year old girl.

Of course, it is not just kids that want to fit in. Stop by the local law firm and see all the suits! And, there are always those who are non-conforming, who seek uniqueness by being completely different, which is still a kind of 'conformity!' If short hair is in, they go long. If formal dress is the norm, they wear the Hawaiian print shirt. They are still reacting to others, even in their 'difference.'

Disciples of Jesus Christ have a greater ideal! We who follow Him must wrestle with the innate need for peer approval and determine that we will serve Him. In John's gospel we read of some who wanted to follow Jesus but they were too afraid of the pressure of their friends. Take a look. "Many people did believe in him, however, including some of the Jewish leaders. But they wouldn’t admit it for fear that the Pharisees would expel them from the synagogue. For they loved human praise more than the praise of God." (John 12:42-43, NLT) The Word warns us that "The fear of human opinion disables; trusting in God protects you from that. " (Proverbs 29:25, The Message)

What is 'cool' with others changes. If we spend too much time looking around, measuring ourselves by how well we fit into contemporary standards, we will become slaves of fashions and fads, unable to serve or please God. That is why the Word tells us "Since God assured us, "I’ll never let you down, never walk off and leave you," we can boldly quote, God is there, ready to help; I’m fearless no matter what. Who or what can get to me?" (Hebrews 13:5-6, The Message)

Pray that the Spirit of God will make you fearless in the face of criticism or peer pressure. Walk humbly before God and seek His approval. He will guide us to life that really matters, away from the superficiality of this present world and its changing standards. Here's a word from the Word. Let the wisdom found here go deep into your mind and heart today.

"Don’t be afraid of those who want to kill your body; they cannot touch your soul. Fear only God, who can destroy both soul and body in hell. What is the price of two sparrows—one copper coin? But not a single sparrow can fall to the ground without your Father knowing it. And the very hairs on your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are more valuable to God than a whole flock of sparrows.

"Everyone who acknowledges me publicly here on earth, I will also acknowledge before my Father in heaven. But everyone who denies me here on earth, I will also deny before my Father in heaven." (Matthew 10:28-33, NLT)
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Turn your eyes upon Jesus,
Look full in His wonderful face,
And the things of earth
Will grow strangely dim
In the light of His glory and grace.

Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus
Helen Lemmell © Public Domain