Conforming to the World

     Currently I am visiting, and experiencing astonishingly wonderful hospitality from friends in the Bay Area. (U.S.) Last night, a young man appeared, describing himself as a community organizer. His cause seemed to be opposition to the use of styrofoam. He urged signing a petition, and giving funds to defeat this evil. He was quite passionate and energetic for this cause. Now I anticipate that people of the kingdom of the world will support causes of one kind or another. What about the citizens of the kingdom of heaven? ( Philippians 3:20)
     Romans 12:2a, an often quoted verse, says "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."(NKJV) How might we be conformed? One way in which we could discern is by our priorities. To what do we give our time, money and energy? What do we talk about? "A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart brings forth evil. For out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks." ( Luke 6:45 NKJV)
     One thing that a growing number of Christians in America talk about and give their time, money and energy to is what they eat. Now I am not opposed to health; I try to live a healthy lifestyle. Yet no matter how much or wisely I exercise or what I eat or don't eat, my current body will perish. (Hebrews 9:27) The reality is that most of our brothers and sisters around the world do not have the food choices that we have. Many are thankful to have enough food to sustain life. Some do not. It seems like major self-indulgence to put inordinate focus on every item we place in our mouths. If we were as concerned about our sin- a topic the Bible addresses repeatedly- as we are about what we eat, we would be much better off.
     While I am admittedly ignorant about the alleged evils of styrofoam. I would rather, as Paul did, be "determined not to know anything among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified." (1 Cor. 2:2)