Rest and Reset: A 30-Day Devotional to Revive Joyنموونە

Don’t conform, be transformed.

Conformity is outward; transformation is internal. The doctrine you heard when you first committed your life to Christ truly matters. Especially if the core teachings do not emphasize the gospel but instead promote an outward appearance that reflects the dress code of a religious organization. This was my experience. As a young girl, I wanted to live for the Lord and serve Him with all my heart. This conviction led me to prayer meetings where I would be on my knees at the altar, sometimes for hours, crying out and begging for the Holy Ghost and the gift of tongues. This was one step toward acceptance, but then came the drastic wardrobe change. I transitioned from wearing regular girl clothes to long skirts, avoiding jewelry, and opting for simple colors. I was taught that I was in the world but no longer of it; therefore, my holiness should be reflected in what I wear.

As you can imagine, this did not last long with my young heart. I will never forget the day I decided to wear pants. With tears in my eyes, I prayed, 'Lord, I love you, but I want to wear pants.' This was the day I rebelled against the church and seemingly God. But God rescued me from legalism and reestablished me in freedom. I once heard someone say that legalism is the binding of consciences where God has not. My conscience was filled with the fear of God's wrath. You see, when you come to Christ, He transforms you from the inside out. Depending on your past lifestyle, you may need to adjust your clothing for a more modest appearance. But your salvation is not dependent on it.

David, as a young shepherd boy, was tasked with going up against Goliath. To prepare, he was dressed in all this armor, which was unfamiliar to him. In the past, when God strengthened him to fight against animals, he used a slingshot. He quickly realized that this same strategy was needed for Goliath. So, he stripped off the weight to conform to the dress code of all the other soldiers and instead leaned into the transformational confidence he gained from his last experience of flawless victories. His armor wasn't a sign of holiness or being set apart by God, but the internal knowing that God was with him. He didn't need to plead to be empowered by the Holy Ghost; instead, he trusted that his personal relationship with God was real and sustaining.

In Romans 12:2 KJV, the Bible says, 'And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” The conformity that Paul was warning against was the customs of this world. The world has an agenda: to shape your perspective in an ever-changing, unholy, self-gratifying, pleasure-seeking manner. Legalism has a system; it aims to lead you to focus on outward appearances, distinguishing you from the world. But Christ has offered a better way—rather than being conformed, there is an emphasis on God's work of purifying your heart and mind for His service and purposes, so that you reflect the likeness of Jesus Christ.

Initially, I tried to remove physical things to get to know God better. But as I unlearned legalism and embraced the freedom in Christ, I realized that the Lord wanted me to put away sin and be renewed in His righteousness. If you’re working for grace, then your actions aren’t truly for the Lord. It's a fleshly display to secure your position in Christ. When you work out of the overflow of grace, your actions aren't just acts but are fruits rooted in sacrifice, surrender, and everlasting gratitude for the Lord who saved your soul. Rest in the finished work of the cross and watch as Christ transforms you from the inside out.

Be encouraged.