Deciding to be a NONCONFORMIST

Lesson 1

Source: Daniel 1; Romans 12:2; 1 Timothy 4:12; Jeremiah 25:1-14, 29:1-4; 2 Chronicles 36

It’s becoming more and more difficult to be a Christian in America, especially if you embrace the Bible’s teachings on sin and salvation. We live in an era of the “New Tolerance,” which means everything is tolerated except Christianity.

The marketplace is filled with examples of this every day. If you openly state your belief that the Bible identifies certain practices as a sin, it’s labeled as hate speech. If you declare the Bible’s teachings on the sanctity of life, you are considered “anti-woman.” If you believe the Bible teaches that sex should only be experienced in the confines of marriage, you are labeled a prude. If you believe that God assigns your gender, you are labeled a bigot.

This should not alarm us or catch us off guard. Jesus, Peter and Paul warned us that this world will not accept us. It is in the context of opposition that we see the greatest examples of the Gospel flourishing and lives changed. This is why Paul commands us to “not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds” (Romans 12:2).

Later, Paul tells Timothy how a young man can be an example to others in “speech, conduct, love, faith and purity.” The message is clear, we are surrounded by a world system that is anti-God, and God calls us to be “NONCONFORMISTS.”

Setting

Perhaps there is no better example of a NONCONFORMIST, then Daniel. Daniel lived in a time when his culture had turned their backs on God, much like ours has. A quick read of 2 Chronicles 36 and Jeremiah 25 give you a context that the, so called, “people of God” had chosen to disobey God. Their sin resulted in God’s judgment, and God sent the Babylonians to destroy Jerusalem and take His people into captivity.

That’s what sin does. Sin always leads to destruction. When we turn our backs on God, we will reap destruction and death. Jesus told us in John 10:10 that our enemy deceives us and desires to “steal, kill and destroy” us. But God calls us to be NONCONFORMISTS and not give into the sin. Jesus promises those who seek Him and obey Him abundant life.

The book of Daniel opens in this context, the people of God are being taken off into captivity. The king, Nebuchadnezzar, had the custom of taking the best and brightest of the conquered territories back to Babylon. His goal was to make these captives good little Babylonians and then they could help rule the conquered territories.

Daniel and his three friends were among the many taken from Judah to Babylon. Their captivity was like a forced study abroad situation. They were put in the finest schools, they were given nice accommodations, they had the king’s personal food plan, but they also had tests they had to pass. They were given new names too, as a way of reminding them that their homes and gods had been defeated (or at least that’s what the Babylonians thought).

Daniel – “God is my judge” to Belteshazzar – “oh Lady (wife of Bel) protect the king”

Hananiah – “Yahweh is gracious” to Shadrach – “command of Aku (the moon god)”

Mishael – “Who is what God is?” to Meshach – “who is what Aku is?”

Azariah – “Yahweh is a helper” to Abednego – “servant of Nebo”

There were a lot of changes in a foreign culture for these boys. But they did not forget about their God.

The Decision

Being a NONCONFORMIST, means you have to make tough decisions. Each of those decisions will cause you to stand out. The question you have to ask yourself is, “why am I a NONCONFORMIST?” Another question is, “Is my cause worth it?”

For Daniel, it was because of His love for God and commitment to obediently walk with Him wherever he was. Daniel willingly took the classes, he accepted the language change, and he even accepted being called by a different name. But he drew the line when the king’s command violated God’s command.

God’s Law prohibited certain types of meat. It also prohibited the faithful from eating food sacrificed to idols. You see, the Babylonians would prepare their food with a ceremony to honor their pagan God’s. Eating that food was a way to worship the false gods. Daniel and his three friends refused to defile themselves by disobeying God’s Law.

[Just for clarification, God is not opposed to us eating meat. This was a violation because of the pagan rituals. Meat is good.]

“But Daniel resolved that he would not defile himself with the king's food, or with the wine that he drank. Therefore he asked the chief of the eunuchs to allow him not to defile himself.” Daniel 1:8

Now I am a foodie. I love all kinds of food and who doesn’t love a good BBQ? Here we have four guys between the ages of 13-17 being offered the best BBQ in the world. Their response is, “God is more important than our appetite!” Their love for God was worth the decision to be a NONCONFORMIST.

The Test

Now that Daniel was resolved to do the right thing, as a NONCONFORMIST he had to do something about it. The problem was he was in a foreign and ruthless land. There is a good chance his nonconformity could lead to his own death.

Daniel politely requested the option to skip the king’s food and eat a vegetable diet that would honor God first. Ashpenaz, the guy in charge, was reluctant to grant the request because his own life was on the line. He had to produce quality candidates to the king and if they were not ready he could lose his life.

Daniel came up with a test, a trial run at this new diet. He asked Ashpenaz to give them 10 days and then check in on them. If they were hanging with the crowd then they should be allowed to continue their diet. Ashpenaz agreed to the terms.

Notice in this story that Daniel was the one to resolve in His heart to do the right thing and honor God. Then we see that his three friends joined him. As a NONCONFORMIST, it’s important that you have like-minded friends that you care for. They had a godly friendship that supported each other as they stepped out in faith.

This is why church and youth group are so important. You need to have fellow NONCONFORMISTS in your life, the ones who are not conforming to this world the same as you. Friends who love Jesus more than the appetites of this world. Jesus said that the world will know we are His by our love for each other.

Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego cared for Daniel and joined him in pursuing God first.

The Results

After 10 days they were tested among all the other captives. Don’t you hate waiting for the results of a test? When that day came, Ashpenaz was surprised to see that the 4 Hebrew boys were far better off than all the others who ate the king’s diet. They were healthier and more alert. Their scores were off the charts.

Daniel and his friends not only allowed their love for God to motivate them into being NONCONFORMISTS, nor only allow their love for each other to take the risk, but they diligently followed through with their decision.

It’s one thing to think the right things, or say you believe something, but the way you live communicates far louder what you believe. Living with integrity communicates to those around you what your true passions are. Are you living in such a way that others around you know that you are a Christ follower? Daniel did.

As we continue, we see that God blessed the obedient Hebrews for their faithfulness. They passed the 10 day test, but even more than that, they completed the course work at the top of the class. But it doesn’t end there. When king Nebuchadnezzar tested them, he found they were wiser and far more understanding then any of his advisers. There faithfulness to communicate their love for God led them to positions to influence the king.

The first chapter of Daniel challenges us to live a NONCONFORMIST life. Don’t allow the present difficulties to deter you from being faithful to God and His Word. There are somethings we can accept about a changing culture, but there are lines we should not cross.

NONCONFORMISTS take stands, but not in an obnoxious way. Daniel didn’t defy Ashpenaz in a rude way, but graciously requested an opportunity to honor God before the king.

Let’s learn to be the Daniel kind of NONCONFORMISTS. That our love for God and our relationships we hold help us to live out what we believe faithfully. We will learn that risking for God is never really a risk to begin with. He is alive, active and He promises to be with us every step of the way.

Is your cause worth nonconformity? Another way to phrase this question, “is Jesus worth it?”

  

Putting the Love Chapter in the Right Context

"Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things." 1 Corinthians 13:4–7

These verses are most commonly read at weddings as a beautiful description of "agape" love in marriage. There is a lot of truth and hope in these words for sustaining a meaningful, godly marriage.

However, Paul wrote these words in very different context for a very different purpose. In a survey of the book of 1 Corinthians, Paul rebukes a church that has lost its way. It was a church were envy and strife were common place. He rebukes arrogant and boastful people who pretended to be godly. There was rampant immorality and even an incestuous relationship. Then there was a prideful attack on different ways of worship.

It is in this context that Paul instructs what love is and what love is not. He points us to a better way. He shows the love of Christ in the midst of chaos and controversy.

Very much so, as I see the state of affairs today, we need this very same message. What would happen if we truly lived out these words today? What happened if we didn't just think about these words when it came to our spouses, our romantic interests, and put it into the context of everyday life in America, and begin to love our neighbor and enemies in this way.

If we could learn to love the way Christ loved us, you know, when He left Heaven to pursue sinners, even pursuing us to the cross (Romans 5:8). If we could love the unlovely, those who disagree with us, and treat them with kindness. If we could look to build bridges instead of divisions. If we could seek the true good of others, instead of just getting on our soap boxes. If we could do these things, we can make a difference.

Your love for others would shine brightly, and that would make God smile. "Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in Heaven" (Matthew 5:16).

With this in mind, may we pursue love like in this fashion. Pursue love today!

I can do all things...

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me!” “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me!” “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me!” I then paused to draw in a few deep breaths before I started the mantra all over again.

It was basketball conditioning time and coach M always started our condition off with us having to run 1.5 miles. However, this particular day he told us that if we ran it in 9 minutes or less we wouldn’t have to run the rest of practice.

I thought that pushing it as hard as I could go for 9 minutes would be better than having to run for an hour and half more. I held fast to this verse as I was running. In a matter of moments, I was out front of the entire team. I was a freshman leading all runners today. I was going to do this and Jesus was going to give me the strength.

A couple of the senior starters were using my pace to the whole time, until the last lap when they pulled from the reserves and passed me up. I didn’t let it bother me, I was convinced that Jesus was going to help me. “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me!”

“Come on Horner, you can do this!” Coach M yelled. I made the last turn, and dug as deep as I could to give my last effort knowing that I wouldn’t have to run any more.

“9:01” Coach said!

“What?! That can’t be!” I thought. 1 second off. Where was Jesus at right then. I didn’t get it done, Jesus didn’t give me the strength.

“Horner, that’s close enough, I will count that,” coach said.

I learned a lot about taking Scriptures out of context and grace that day.

Philippians 4 :13 is probably the most miss quoted Scripture passage, right up there with “where two or three are gathered…” (that’s for another post).

Paul had a very specific purpose for writing Philippians 4:13, “I can do all thing through Christ who strengthens me.” But it wasn’t written for the purpose of saying that, “I can do anything I want and Jesus will give me the strength to do it.” He wrote it in a specific context and he is referring to be content with what God has provided.

“I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and ever circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.” Philippians 4:12-13

In Christ, it doesn’t matter how much or how little you have, it matters if you have Him. Paul learned the secret of contentment, how to be happy with what He has, and looked at everything as a gift from God.

How can a child in Haiti who has absolutely nothing, by our standards, be so joyful in the Lord? How can a teenager in America who has a mom and dad who loves them, a giant room in a beautiful house that they get to call their own, a soft bed, never has to think about where the next meal comes from, gets to go to school for free and has the freedom to plan for college lose their joy because their XBOX game stops working?

It doesn’t make sense does it?

Now all poor kids are not joyful and all wealthy kids are not brats.

But the true key to being joyful and content in all circumstances is Jesus. If you have a relationship with Jesus Christ and you pursue Him every day, you will find that your contentment is growing. That’s His promise.

If you have little or you have much, or if you go through a season with either, you can be joyful and content in Christ. Why?

Because He promised, “my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:19).

Now don’t jump to conclusions with this verse. There is a big difference between “needs” and “wants.” There is a big difference between your plans and God’s plans. There are times when God withholds for His glory and there are times when He pours out in abundance.

BUT God will supply all your needs in Christ, whom He gave according to His abundant riches in glory. “God demonstrated His love for us in this, while we were yet sinners Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8).

God will always give more of Himself to those who seek after Him. Even when we are lacking in earthly comforts, we can have the joy of heaven because He is with us.

Next time you hear the phrase, “I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength,” remember that it is talking about finding Joy in Christ no matter our circumstances.

God's Peace: Bringing Harmony to Your Life

“And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:7

Have you ever picked up a guitar that was out of tune? Or tried to play an instrument for the first time and instead of beautiful music you produced something sounding more like stepping on a dying duck or dropping a bowling ball down stairs?

Only extremely patient and loving parents or a music teacher can endure much of that. For most we want to run away of take the instrument away and never let that person touch it again. Why? It’s disruptive, annoying and assaulting our ears.

But when someone learns to play, and pay well, it is joyous to hear the melody produced. One has to learn how to create harmony and rhythms with the notes in order to create something beautiful.

When the Bible speaks of peace, to have the peace of God in your life, it is talking about harmonizing your life. God wants to bring all the areas of your life together to create a beautiful harmony (Ephesians 2:10).

Jesus said, “Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:29-30

Jesus is not saying that learning obedience doesn’t take hard work. Like learning to play the guitar is difficult at times, learning to submit areas of our life can be difficult. But when we do, when we learn the “rules of the game” and we begin to realize the harmony that is possible, we see that His way is easy and his burden is light.

Every discipline that I have developed started out hard and then became easier the more I pursued it. Learning the rules of golf has brought a new freedom and power to my golf game. Understanding the proper form and technique, coupled with lots of practice, has brought a level of joy and fun to my volleyball experience. Learning proper approaches to understanding the Bible, hermeneutics, has created a whole new level of joy in reading the Scriptures.

The problem is we are fighting against God in our lives. We are trying to control the strings of the guitar. We keep banging away at them expecting a beautiful melody and all we produce is noise.

“What Satan put into the heads of our remote ancestors was the idea that they could ‘be like gods’—could set up on their own as if they had created themselves—be their own masters—invent some sort of happiness for themselves outside God, apart from God. And out of that hopeless attempt has come nearly all that we call human history—money, poverty, ambition, war, prostitution, classes, empires, slavery—the long terrible story of man trying to find something other than God which will make him happy.

God cannot give us a happiness and peace apart from Himself, because it is not there. There is no such thing.” —C.S. Lewis from Mere Christianity

We try to be like gods, our own masters, and what we produce is, “money, poverty, ambition, war, prostitution, classes, empires, slavery—the long terrible story of man trying to find something other than God.”  

Just open up Facebook or Twitter, or turn on the News, or read the latest from the New York Times, The Wall Street Journal or the National Review. We do not see peace and harmony in this world, we see chaos and disruption.

Unfortunately, when Christians throw in their “two cents” to the milieu, it brings further chaos and disruption and not peace.  Not because their intentions are not good, but because it is easy to get our focus on the wrong things.

Dear Christian, I pray that you see God’s call on your life is to find peace in your life through an obedient walk with Him. Allow Him to tune the guitar of your life, and with each tuning session you will see that something beautiful is being created in you. You will see more of Christ in you and the world will see more of Christ in you and glorify God because of it (Matthew 5:16).

Philippians 4 points us to the way to find peace with God that will guard our hearts, it is through what we focus our eyes on.

“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.” Philippians 4:8-9

Get your focus right and apply what you have learned and the peace of God WILL be with you.

Here is clearly a list of what we should focus on. Filter everything you cast your gaze on through this list and if it doesn’t match up, then look away.

If you want to maximize your time focusing, there is One to focus on who is “true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, commendable, excellent, and worthy of praise,” that is, the Lord Jesus Christ.

“Looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.” Hebrews 12:2

I am convinced of this, the more you look to Jesus, the more you love Him with all your heart, soul, strength and mind, the more you will be like Him. Not by your own power, or by performing a checklist or out of obligation. No. But by love!

When you love Jesus, and you spend time with Him, and you look to Him, you will become a reflection of Him from the inside out. As this happens, the peace of God will flow through you. You will become a harmony that is beautiful to those who hear, that refreshes the soul, that draws people to Christ.

By God’s grace we, the Church, can become a symphony of His grace for His glory and bring peace to our communities.