WATCH OUT FOR MOULDS PART 1

And do not be conformed to this world but be transformed by the renewal of your mind…. (Romans 12:2)

On Monday Morning, as I was trusting God for a leading on what to share, I was in the middle of making breakfast when I almost dropped the matchbox. I caught it right on time but all the matchsticks were out of the box. I was far too tired to do the delicate thing and place them back in one by one. Instead, I dropped them in 2 batches back into the box and shook the box around and after only 2 shakes they all aligned and were properly arranged. There and then it hit me; as long as you are placed in a mould, conformity is not optional, it’s inevitable.

Many times as Christians we live lives that show that more often than we can afford, we are ignorant of the different moulds that exist in the world. We convince ourselves that we are liberal so we can tolerate certain environments and attitudes around us and remain unaltered by them. It is one of the most dangerous and frequently told lies. The bible is very clear on this one; Light and Darkness can have no fellowship (2 Corinthian 16:4). We often boldly declare that God is a wise God and infact we say He is the only wise God, but we ignore His words of wisdom.

God isn’t just telling us to be on guard from our environment or not be unequally yoked (that goes for platonic and work relationships as well) for fun. God tells us this simply because in His all-knowing nature; He knows something must give. If you surround yourself with ungodliness; whether it be ungodly things or people, it’s only a matter of time before the environment you’ve allowed around you will begin to shape you and mould you in its likeness.

Please don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying we ought to be scared of environments where there are unbelievers or darkness. As a matter of fact, that is our very destination because we are the light of the world and as soon as light shows up; darkness flees. What I’m saying however is that you must be very cautious about the people you draw close enough to speak into your life, influence your perspective, choices and ultimately your character. 

Similarly, you need to be extra careful about the environments you allow yourself to be found in repeatedly. Even in the world, it is said that we are an average of the 5 closest people to us and if you really think about it, it is true. While we tend to think of this in terms of dispositions, that phrase is actually making reference to value systems and character traits. It is inconsequential if you are reserved and your friends are talkative. If you look close enough, you and the people closest to you have certain value systems and world views in common. Sure we all have those one or two odd friends. Even with these friends though, if you really think about, there’s something in you that is willing to tolerate and accommodate to some extent, their world views and values.

We ought to walk in love and relate with people from different walks of life. However, if you are constantly finding yourself in ungodly environments and around unbelievers all the time; it really is not a good sign. Paul under inspiration of the Holy Spirit said do not forsake the fellowship of the brethren because Paul understood that your environment and your choice of companion ultimately determines your outcome.