Non-Conformity

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

Most of you who know me, know that I do my best to follow Jesus Christ. I do not follow Jesus perfectly.

I am also a surfer.

The surfing culture is stereotyped as being dark, amoral, hedonistic, and non-conformist.

Surfers are "Non-Conformist?"

Here's a non-inclusive list of characteristics that are found in most every surfer:

Surfers are generally individualistic, self-centered, brash, egotiscal, and opinionated.
Surfers do not want to follow the "party line."
Surfers do not want to be told what they can and can't do.
Surfers want to be unique.
Surfers want to have their own "Secret Spot", to surf at or hang-out.
Surfers do not like crowds.

Merriam-Webster defines nonconformist as:

Main Entry: non·con·form·ist
Pronunciation: -'for-mist
Function: noun
1 often capitalized : a person who does not conform to an established church; especially : one who does not conform to the Church of England
2 : a person who does not conform to a generally accepted pattern of thought or action - nonconformist adjective, often capitalized

I see a link between Jesus Christ and lost sinners.

Here's why.

Jesus Christ opposed religion. He refused to conform to the oppressive religious laws that the Pharisees, Saducees and San Hedrin were using to control and oppress the Israelites. In most of Jesus' conversations which indicated that He was angry, it was for the most part, when He talked to the "religious authorities."

I love what Jesus says in the gospels - "...no one comes to the Father except through me..."

When He said that, He was letting God's word speak against the religious law that had the Jews in a spiritual chokehold.

Lost sinners oppose the Gospel of Jesus Christ. People who do not know Jesus, live in sin and are adamant that it is their right to "live their life" the way that they want to.

Sin blinds and deceives people. Even those things that may have the appearance of being "right" can deceive us.

The bottom line is this -

Without having Jesus Christ as LORD and SAVIOR of your life, the hole that you're trying to fill up in your heart will always remain empty and huge. There is never enough money, alcohol, drugs, illicit sex, or materialistic things to fill the God-sized hole in your heart.

Jesus is the only way that your heart will be filled with His joy, and your eternity sealed with His precious blood that was shed for you at Calvary's Cross.

If you want to be a true "Non-Conformist", take up Jesus Christ and your cross, and follow Him.

I promise you that your life will only get more difficult, and that you will be consistently attacked by satan and that there will be much suffering and persecution.

But the joy and peace that you will experience, far outweighs the temporary things of this world.