Have you ever felt the pressure to conform to the world around you?

Alexander Strauch challenges us to resist the cultural pressures that seek to mold us into their image. Drawing on Romans 12:1-2, Strauch emphasizes the importance of not allowing the world to squeeze us into its mold. Instead, we are called to be transformed individuals who live differently from the world. This transformation comes from a renewing of our minds, enabling us to discern and live according to God’s will.

Strauch points out that living as a Christian in today’s society can be as challenging as it was in ancient cities like Babylon and Nineveh, where believers were surrounded by idolatry and godlessness. Unlike decades past, when Christian morals were more broadly accepted, today's culture often stands in stark contrast to biblical teachings. Yet, the call remains the same: to be transformed people who offer ourselves as living sacrifices, fully devoted to God.

1 Peter 1:14-15 (NKJV): "As obedient children, not conforming yourselves to the former lusts, as in your ignorance; but as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct."

You know, I should point out Romans 12, 1 and 2, but I particularly like the translation of J.B. Phillips of that verse. Don't let the world squeeze you into its maul. Don't be conformed to this world. You're to be a transformed person.

So to answer really all these questions in the same way, we're in a hostile world like Babylon, like Nineveh, like these ancient cities. They were godless cities full of idolatry. It was not easy being a follower of Yahweh in those cities. God calls us to live that way in these places. Well, the same thing is true today.

Being a Christian in America 50, 60, 70 years ago. It wasn't that hard because even the non-Christians believed in church and they basically accepted our moral sexual ethics. But today all that's gone, it's different. So the great message, particularly to our young people, is do not be conformed to this world, but be a transformed person, and give yourself as a living sacrifice to the Lord. So it's a very important verse for today.