Conformity

Nonconformists have always been seen as dangerous rebels by many communities.

For the first few decades of my life, I lived immersed in a culture of uniformity. My family socialized with others who were very similar to us. Everyone emulated each other, aspired to the same priorities, and any deviation from the group’s thoughts was frowned upon. This poisonous conformity was passed on from generation to generation. Parents were held responsible for their children’s indoctrination, even after these children had grown into adults. Anyone who refused to go along was considered as ‘other’, a threat to ‘our’ way of life. Many of us are part of small, counter-culture groups and we see our group as different from the rest of the world. Yet, we still succumb to the pressure to conform to our particular clique.

 “Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.” (Romans 12:2 NLT)

St. Teresa of Avila says that our need for the world’s esteem (and that of our friends and relatives) is like a poisonous snake. Its venomous bite keeps us occupied. And prevents us from entering our own soul where God is waiting.

“For in perfect conformity to God’s will lies all our good. Let us strive to do what lies in our power and guard ourselves against poisonous little reptiles.” (from The Interior Castle by St. Teresa of Avila)

 
Obligatory and superficial relationships weaken and distract us from God. They keep us preoccupied with worldly transactions, societal values, and fitting into the expectations of others. Eventually we are molded by our environment into zombie-like clones of each other. On the other hand, healthy social relationships press us forward into conformity with God. We can’t fit two molds at once. Either we are molded by the world, or we are conformed to Christ.