“Norm” has been around for a very long time. Maybe even before Noah, but definitely during his lifetime. In fact, I believe “Norm” is still around today and has never left us. I also believe that “Norm” will never leave us until Jesus returns. The “Norm” that I am referring to isn’t a person, but it relates to how people conform to societal norms. Conforming to the norms is sometimes easy to do, especially if we are afraid of being judged, ostracized, or just being criticized when it comes to being different from what others believe to be normal.
If others are doing something, does that mean it is okay for the rest of us to do the same thing? It obviously depends on what it is, but in most cases, absolutely not! In doing so, that brings us closer to the world and further away from God. Being a “Norm” is not what we should be. Although, we also know that norms are too often enforced by way of prejudice, social shunning, how our own family members treat us, or even to the point of violence toward us or possibly our families. But you just don’t know how hard it is to be different. I know there can be serious negative consequences by going against societal norms, but we would not be the first to be persecuted for our beliefs and convictions.
Matthew 5:10 (NKJV) – 10 Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, For theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
John 15:20 (NKJV) – 20 Remember the word that I said to you, ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you. If they kept My word, they will keep yours also.
One of the problems we face is that many of the societal norms are hidden within minuscule changes that slowly sneak up on us. Because the changes are so small or insignificant, we tend to be blind to these microscopic changes that barely get our attention. If we aren’t careful, we allow these small accumulated changes to become the norm of the day that we may even agree with. Whatever the changes may have been, they can become societal norms that are inappropriate for a Christian to be associated with or known to participate in.
Being persecuted isn’t what anyone would consider pleasant while it is happening, especially when the persecution goes to the extreme, but going along to get along will have eternal consequences. May our minds stay focused on the eternal reward and not the temporary consequences during those times when we are facing persecution. Don’t be a “Norm” and conform.
1 John 5:4 (NKJV) – 4 For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world–our faith.
1 Corinthians 16:13 (NKJV) – 13 Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong.