The Pressure to Conform

by Jeff Curtis

A science teacher gave a simple illustration in class. They took an empty, flat-sided, one gallon metal can. Then took the lid off the can, put a little water in it, and placed it over an open fire. Soon the water was boiling. Using gloves, the teacher put the lid back on, screwed it down tight, and removed the can from the fire. For a few minutes nothing happened. Then suddenly – as though crushed by a giant, invisible hand – the sides of the can collapsed inward. Impressive.

The teacher explained that heating the can expand the air and forced some of it from the can. As a result, when the sealed can cooled, the air pressure inside the can was less than the pressure outside the can. That’s why the outside pressure caused the sides of the can to collapse. Most of are not aware of the air pressure, but it’s there. At sea level, the pressure is almost fifteen pounds per square inch. (University of Illinois, “Atmospheric Pressure”, September 19, 2013). Our bodies don’t collapse because the pressure inside is the same as the pressure outside.

As we study passages like Romans 12:2, we think of this lesson about pressure. Many people are not aware of the pressure in the world to conform to its lifestyle. They yield to that pressure because they have nothing within to enable them to withstand it. Paul, in effect, said that the way to keep pressure from the world from “squeezing us into it mold” is to offset that pressure with a renewed mind.

What can we do (with God’s help) to renew our minds? Probably, the most important action we can take is to fill our minds with that which lifts us up instead of that which drags us down. If our minds are constantly exposed to immoral, irreverent, and self-centered influences of the world, it will be almost impossible to renew our minds. Paul also wrote, “…whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things” (Philippians 4:8).

We need to fill our minds with the Word of God; this we do through Bible reading and study. Our thoughts should be focused on God; we can achieve this focus through meditation and prayer, and considering the wonderful world God has made (Romans 1:20). We need to associate with people who have a spiritual emphasis in their lives; this we do through Christian fellowship. Above all, we must keep our eyes on Jesus and work to be like Him. “But we all, …beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as from the Lord, the Spirit” (2Cor. 3:18). In this way, the inner man will be “renewed day by day” (2Cor. 4:16). We will be transformed both inside and outside (the body) and inside (the mind).

Are you living the transformed life? Transformation has to do with change, and change is not easy. It is difficult to get out of the deep, deep ruts of lifelong behavior – but we can change with the help of God. Relying on Him, we can meet Paul’s challenge.

The transformation begins as you are baptized as a penitent believer and rise to “walk in newness of life” (Romans 6:4). The change continues as you turn your mind from “the things of the flesh” and focus on “the things of the Spirit” (Romans 8:5).

Are We Offended Because of Christ?

by Jeff Curtis

People were offended by Christ. The citizens of His hometown were offended because of Him (Matthew 13:57; Mark 6:3; Luke 4:28-29; John 1:46). Why are people offended today?

1. Christ was more concerned with the spiritual than with the material. He was more concerned with the soul than with the body. He was concerned with the physical body, but He put its proper perspective. Where do we place the most importance? Our society is drunk on materialism. Media sources like TV are teaching our children self-indulgence and self-pity instead of self-denial, selflessness, and self-sacrifice. What are they learning about what is really important in life?
2. Christ exalted the commonplace things in life. He was displeased with the pomp and circumstance of the Jewish religion of His day. He lived as a simple man with simple ways. He used weak and foolish things to confound the mighty (1Corinthians 1:27). “But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to put to shame the things which are mighty.” Paul feared that some would be corrupted by “the simplicity that is in Christ” (2Corinthians 11:3; NKJV; “But I fear, lest somehow, as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, so your minds may be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ.” Are we insulted by the simple acts of worship or the simple plan of salvation?
3. Christ contradicted some of the most cherished beliefs and traditions of His day. If He had agreed with the religious leaders of the Jews, they would have flocked to Him. Instead, He condemned their sinful practices and religious error. He charged them with hypocrisy and exhorted them to practice righteousness (Matthew 6:2,5,16; 15:3-11). Some are offended today when they learn that Christ did not teach certain popular doctrines of the religious world. The gospel of Christ alone is God’s power to save; “For I am not ashamed of the gospel ^[a]of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek.” (Romans 1:16).

We must have more concern with the spiritual than with the material things in life. What if Christ came and walked with us each day? Would we be offended by what He might tell us?

Finding Your Life

(Matthew 10:39)

by Jeff Curtis

We sometimes say about a young person that they are trying to “find themselves.” Many people try to find themselves through legitimate activities such as sports, hobbies, education, and careers. Others attempt to find themselves through illegitimate pursuits, such as experimenting with drugs or being sexually promiscuous. In the end, none of these can satisfy. Solomon pursued work, wealth, and women in order to find life – and came away empty. He concluded the meaning of life is only found in a relationship with God; “¹³ Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: fear God and keep His commandments, for this is mans all. ¹⁴ For God will bring every work into judgment, including every secret thing, whether good or evil.” (Ecclesiastes 12:13-14). People can find life today by following Christ. This pathway is one of self-denial and sacrifice, and it is the only one that is truly satisfying.