7 Practical Expressions of Biblical Nonconformity to the World (Proverbs 3:5-7; Galatians 6:14)

Proverbs 3:5-7: “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the Lord, and depart from evil.”

Those who would walk in a living faith in Jesus Christ which actually saves must turn to follow what was just read. This admonition in Proverbs is synonymous to Christ’s command seen frequently in the Gospel accounts that we deny ourselves, take up our cross daily, and follow Him in order to be saved.

Luke 9:23-26: “And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it. For what is a man advantaged, if he gain the whole world, and lose himself, or be cast away? For whosoever shall be ashamed of me and of my words, of him shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he shall come in his own glory, and in his Father’s, and of the holy angels.”

In relation, we read in Galatians 6:14: “But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world.”

The cross of Jesus Christ operating in an individual kills the values of the world system (a corrupt system before God which is at enmity with Him). Here are seven practical expressions of not being conformed to the world system (the number of points here is not significant; and this is surely not a comprehensive list).

One) Seeking the approval of God and not being swayed by how doing what is right in His eyes will affect one’s reputation. This applies to any and every individual and segment of society (Galatians 1:10, 1 Corinthians 7:23).

Two) Not being a partial respecter of persons who gives preferential treatment to certain people (James 1:27 and then going straight into James 2:1-10).

Three) Not being governed by the moral trends of your age and culture. What God’s Word calls evil is evil; and what God’s Word calls good is good (Exodus 23:1-2, Isaiah 5:20-21).

Four) Not being governed by instant gratification like fornicators certainly are; and like Esau in the Bible was when he forfeited spiritual blessing from God which had eternal implications for the instant gratification of a meal to relieve himself when he was faint (see Hebrews 12:14-17).

Five) Not murmuring and complaining when duties are inconvenient nor doing so in adverse circumstances in life (Philippians 2:12-16).

Six) ) In one’s attitude towards money. It is typical to be driven by money so that righteousness is neglected in order to be able to earn more and/or righteousness is compromised in earning money. It is also typical that those who do not do either of these things have an entitlement mentality which expects others to take care of them and any under their care. Though potentially looking so different, these are all ungodly attitudes which conform to ungodly values promoted by the corrupt world system. A righteous mindset is molded by all of the Bible’s precepts regarding earning and giving- giving due heed to all of these (see key examples of these in 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12, Matthew 6:30-34, and 2 Thessalonians 3:10-12).

Seven) Being ready to alter plans, forsake dreams, adjust hopes, etc. and forsake momentary pleasure when such things conflict with doing right before God. Obviously this also means renouncing boasting about the future. This goes back to esteeming God’s authority properly and therefore not esteeming one’s own satisfaction higher than one ought to (James 4:13-17).