My husband and I want to buy newer cars. Our sixteen-year-old vehicles still run, but I think they are on borrowed time at this point. Because of COVID, I do most of my car browsing online to decide what I want. One thing struck me as I shopped, almost all the cars offered were some shade of black or white or gray. Then, as I drove around during the next few weeks, I noticed how many cars on the road followed this same color palate. I want to live life colorfully and not part of the sameness as everyone else. Maybe I will get a red car.
Sameness of Places
The more society evolves, the more it drives us towards uniformity. I really notice this fact as I travel to other countries. The sameness appears in the chain stores, fast food restaurants, and hotels that line the streets. Am I in London, Paris, or New York? Sometimes, I can’t tell the difference as I visit big, international cities’ central business districts. Globalization robs these cities of some of their uniqueness.
“Do not conform 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 (NIV)
Sameness of thoughts
This rule of sameness does not just apply to places or cars. Social media tries to convince us that if our opinions differ from others, we must hate the person who shared their views. Facebook goes so far as to have fact-checkers tell us when they think we are wrong. Freedom of thought is only acceptable if we follow the masses, as demonstrated by Twitter jail when you don’t follow their ideals.
“Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children.”
Ephesians 5:1 (ESV)
Oneness with Christ
Instead of trying to conform to the world, Christians are called to be like Christ. Our opinions and thoughts should match up with those found in the Word of God. We must think Biblically about everything, and we can do that by loving like Christ, thinking like Christ, and acting like Christ. But, everything must be done in love. God calls us to sameness in thought while maintaining an oneness with Him and with each other.
‘1 So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, 2 complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind.”
Philippians 2:1-2 (NIV)
We each bring uniqueness to everything we do. We are individuals with gifts only we can deliver to the world. Christ does not call us to give that up but to bring it into line with His will and ways. As we seek to separate ourselves from worldly practices, let us strive to be of one mind with Christ.
Prayer
My dearest Heavenly Father. Thank you for making me the way I am. Help me to seek Your ways and Your thoughts instead of following after the world. I seek only fulfillment from You because I know it will last for all eternity. In Jesus’ Name, I pray. Amen.
Grace and Peace to you,
Yvonne M. Morgan is a Christian author, blogger, and speaker.
Matthew 28:19 “Therefore, GO and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.”
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Love this! I appreciate difference so much–colors of skin, language, gender, etc. But when it comes to Jesus, I want to be the same as Him.
The best person to become the same as. He is our perfect example. Thanks Jessica. Grace and peace to you
Love how you juxtaposed sameness with the world and sameness (comformity) to Christ!
Thanks Ava. I appreciate your thoughts and encouragement. Grace and peace to you
I’m been noticing this sameness and conformity as well. Thank you for drawing our attention to it. My goal is to conform to Christ’s image, his thoughts, and his ways. I hope that, if I am able to conform to anything other than my own sinful self, that I will conform more and more to be like Jesus.
I pray for that for all of us. It is so easy to find myself slipping into the patterns of this world. Thanks Melinda. I appreciate your thoughts. Grace and peace to you
Yes, be one with Christ. Do not conform to worldly things. Thank you for this inspirational message.
Thanks Melissa. Grace and peace to you
The world strives to put us in our own groups to rival each other. Christ calls us to unity of the spirit and devotion to Him and each other. Opposite goals–as has always been the case. God bless!
Thanks Nancy. Grace and peace to you