Please God Over Others
There are many reasons why we seek to become like others. Being different often means we will be criticized. Most of us would prefer to avoid criticism. We don’t like to be mocked, ridiculed, called pejorative names, or shunned. “Do as most do and few will speak ill of thee” (Thomas Fuller). Criticism hurts – and most prefer to avoid pain whenever possible. This is why Jesus said there are many on the easy road (Mt 7:13, RSV). Unfortunately, we seldom realize that the eventual outcome of that road is greater pain and loss (2 Thess 1:8 with Gal 1:10).
What are a few of the things we lose when we seek to conform? We lose the unique character, service, and destiny that the Lord desired for us because we are no longer led by the Holy Spirit (Gal 5:16). We lose our freedom since we become slaves to the opinions of those to whom we conform. Our growth, therefore, becomes blocked and our standards dip to the level of the common boot-licker who seeks their own well-being through lying and manipulation. No wonder, then, that our satisfaction with ourselves, our sense of positive self-image, diminishes. “The less satisfaction we derive from being ourselves, the greater is our desire to be like others” (Eric Hoffer).
There is nothing inherently wrong with agreeing with the majority. I agree with the majority that 2 + 2= 4. In a spiritually mature church, we might well find ourselves in agreement with the majority concerning what the right course of action seems to be. However, we are not to conform when that is contrary to God’s will (Rom 12:2). Our goal is to let the Holy Spirit guide us into what He says is right (Rom 8:4-5). Be conformed to Christ’s character, not to the values of others (Rom 8:29).
Comforting others is costly but worth it.