The Christian Iife | a 6-Day Skate Church Movement Devotionalনমুনা

Not of the world

“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

What is the first thing that comes to your mind when you think about skateboarding? I think most would say good sessions, friendship, fun, etc. But being skateboarders, we know the culture of our “world” can also be a little rough around the edges. It’s hard to pick up a skateboard magazine, watch a new video part, or even go to a local spot or park without feeling the pressure of being influenced by the industry. Drinking, drugs, partying, rebelling against authority–it’s the culture that skateboarding breeds. However, the Bible shows us a different way to live.

In Romans, Paul writes, “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) The “world” that Paul is referring to is the default way the world works. This ingrained and instinctual thought process is saturated in sin, but the renewing of our mind happens when we begin to walk in a relationship with Jesus.

Think about the skateboard industry and the culture that we’re a part of. What is the default way skateboarders live? What does it look like? Our culture as a whole is very rebellious, and a lot of the behaviors and rebellion are pointed toward God. Just watch the intro to the majority of the Thrasher videos, and it’s pretty easy to recognize.

In Romans, Paul is being very direct in telling us how the things of this world are not the things we should be living for. There is nothing God glorifying about living for the world rather than for the Lord. James 1:14-15 tells us that “temptation comes from our own desires, which entice us and drag us away. These desires give birth to sinful actions. And when sin is allowed to grow, it gives birth to death.” Living for the world will no doubt bring fun at times and maybe even temporary satisfaction, but we know that this ultimately leads to death.

I love skateboarding. I love the culture and the industry, and to be honest, I love Thrasher. But there is a big difference between being “in” the culture and being “of” the culture. My identity is not in skateboarding. My identity is in Christ. While I love and hope to be inspired by skateboarding, skateboarding doesn’t control my life. Paul encourages us in these verses to not live like the rest of the world, but rather be transformed from the inside out, changing the way we think and ultimately aligning our thoughts and mind with that of God’s.

Pushing Further

1. Do you think it’s hard to be a skateboarder and a follower of Christ? Why?
2. What does it look like to be a skater and not live for the world, but for Christ?