Born to Stand Out: 3 Ways to Stop Conforming

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I like to fit in.

But sometimes I like to stand out.

When everyone else says stripes are in, I like polka dots. When everyone else orders vanilla ice cream with chocolate syrup, I want Moose Tracks. When everyone else shops for rompers, I search for Bermuda shorts.

When it comes to crowds, though, I prefer to blend in. The background rather suits my fancy most of the time and I’m content to be behind-the-scenes instead of in the limelight.

I like following the rules and knowing I’m not a problem-causer or a fire-starter, but at the same time, I want to be that girl who challenges others to know why they’re doing what they’re doing. Too many times I’ve fallen into that comparison trap, wanting to meet a certain expected standard but that’s for the birds.

Who Do We Listen To?

There’s pressure from every side to conform to this world. To be tolerant of other religions. To accept homosexuality as normal. To justify pornography. And the list goes on. Vicious verbal attacks against your character and faith are directed at anyone refusing to meld to the demands of the loudest crowd. Whoever said words couldn’t hurt lied.

Dr. Seuss says we were born to stand out.

Jesus says, “Don’t conform to this world.” (But be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. Romans 12:2)

Hubs follows a certain grain standard every planting season. He uses a specific planting chart and plants with the intention of outperforming previous crop standards. His goal is to be outstanding in his field. (Ok, seriously corny, I know—but what do you expect from the wife of a grain farmer?)

What standard do we use to measure ourselves with?

Dr. Seuss? Friends? Celebrities?

Or Jesus?

What will you do? Conform or be transformed?

Fit in or stand out?

Be Transformed

What standard of measurement are you using? Will you stop comparing yourself to those around you and start measuring by the word of God? It’s time we use the Bible as our standard across the board.

Here are 3 ways to be transformed by the renewing of your mind:

  1. Read your Bible. We can’t use the Bible as a unit of measurement if we aren’t familiar with its words and meanings. Ask God for insight as you read it.
  2. Memorize your Bible. When you come across verses applicable to your life right now, memorize them. Write them in a journal or sticky note and refer back to it throughout the day. Commit them to memory.
  3. Talk to God. The best way to understand the Bible is to know the author. Make a point to talk with him in prayer every day.

Transformation usually requires some sort of sacrifice, the giving up of something. A total transformation by the renewing of your mind means giving up the world’s way of living.

It’s hard. There will be condemnation and personal attacks. You’ll be judged as close-minded, maybe a bigot. Don’t fall for the lie that you can’t stand out and refuse to conform without love. Loving others doesn’t mean accepting wrongs as right and conforming to the world.

Go ahead. Stand out. Refuse to conform to the world. Be transformed by the renewing of your mind each day.

I dare you.

“Why fit in when you were born to stand out?”—Dr. Seuss

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19 comments

  3. Andrea says:

    I can definitely relate! In 4th grade I chose to play the trombone because no one else was, lol! But when it comes to crowds, yeah, I’ll blend in. Thanks for the great reminder!

    Reply
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