When did our nation become the unrecognizable nation that it has become? In a highly publicized case in Texas the battle over a 7-year-old child, originally named James, but now who wants to go by, Luna, reached national headlines. The parents differed on whether or not little James should be allowed to transition into a female. The father believes he should be raised as a boy, the mother, who is a pediatrician desires to allow the child to move forward in the process of becoming a transgender. Though, unfortunately, this type of case is becoming more common, what should surprise us all is that the jury's decision from Dallas, Texas went 11-1 in favor of allowing custody to the mother and therefore allowing this transition to move forward. To those of us who find this incredible, we should not be surprised how our godless nation is changing before our eyes. But what do most Christians and those who support traditional values do? They remain quiet. If they do talk to others in defiance of this change in society, it is done in private so as not to offend or get in trouble. In reality, most are afraid not to appear conformed to the society at large for fear of what might happen to them.

We read in Romans 12:1-2, "I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God." As we transition from Romans 11 to Romans 12, we come to a sharp break in the book. The first 11 chapters outline doctrine. The remainder of the book deals with application. The first portion deals with condemnation, justification, and sanctification so that the reader understands what Christ has accomplished for us. If we seek application before understanding doctrine, it leads to legalism. We can falsely elevate the importance of our works in our salvation. Application is simply a response for all He has done for us. So our being a living sacrifice is in response to the mercies we have received. This living sacrifice is not confined to one hour a week, or during our quiet time in the morning, etc. It is day by day, hour by hour, and minute by minute. The choice is really ours, we can either be conformers or transformers. Conformers are like thermometers which simply change according to the temperature. Transformers are like thermostats which change the climate of the culture. The word transformed means, "metamorphosis". Being transformed is not just informational, it is allowing Him to lead us. It is a reflection of our new character.

So, what are you? A thermometer or conformer, or a thermostat or transformer. This doesn’t simply reflect our position on various topics, but asks whether we simply assimilate to our surroundings or are we willing to stand apart, to be marginalized, even perhaps to be openly ridiculed for our position. If the above case is discussed at church, most everyone will openly and loudly side with the father and traditional values. But if this same case is discussed in a social work setting the tenor of the conversation will differ dramatically. Do we loudly agree and participate in one setting while remain quiet in the other? Do we seek out one like-minded individual and quietly whisper our discontent? Whom do we fear? God or society’s perception. We read in Matthew 10:28, “And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill soul. But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.” We are called to be light in a dark world. A lit match is barely seen in a light room, but in a dark room that light is seen. So, the question remains whether we prefer to hide in the dark or to shine the light of Jesus, no matter the cost. We are called to be transformers, not conformers.