Navigating Our Commitment to Faith in a World of Ever-Changing Trends
Maintaining a strong commitment to our Christian faith can be extremely challenging in a world where trends come and go as swiftly as the wind changes direction. We are bombarded daily with shifting cultural norms and constant pressure to conform to the latest fads. C’mon, sister, we’ve all watched the latest viral video and tried that new hairstyle, outfit, or even that diet! How do we remain rooted in our beliefs and unwavering in our faith in an ever-changing world?
It’s imperative that while the world is telling us who we need to be, what we need to do, and who our circle of influence should be, we refocus our priorities and aim to be committed to the only influencer that truly matters…Jesus Christ! I will be the first to raise my hand and admit that I have wavered in my faith due to a lack of commitment because I was more concerned about fitting in or not fitting in. I did not gird my loins with the belt of truth and, as a result, opened myself to deception through a world of lies and despair. I relied on myself and my ability to navigate the most challenging times of my adolescent life rather than my faith in Christ.
Here are a few ideas and things I wish I had known as I was trying to navigate this world as a young Christian woman while remaining committed to my faith.
1. Embrace the Unchanging Truths
As Christian women, anchoring ourselves in the unchanging principles of God's Word is a calling we cannot afford to take lightly. A myriad of information constantly bombards our senses daily, advising us to change ourselves and to fit God’s Word in our lives. However, by prioritizing the advice of today’s world over the principles taught in scripture, we starve our spiritual life. Instead, we should seek first to fit and reorient our lives around God’s Word, not the other way around, and allow his life-giving words to shape the thoughts and intentions of our hearts. When we root ourselves deeply in the Word of the Lord, it serves as our compass, guiding us through the tumultuous seas of life.
Despite the beautiful allure of passing trends and “how-to’s” on becoming the next great influencer, we can find stability and security in the eternal promises of our Heavenly Father by embracing the truths of His Word.
Psalm 119:89 (NIV) "Your word, LORD, is eternal; it stands firm in the heavens."
2. Resist the Temptation to Conform
The pressure to conform to the world's standards can be overwhelming, especially for young Christian women trying to navigate all the complexities of identity and belonging. But as followers of Christ, we are called to be counter-cultural, to resist the pull of conformity, and to stand firm in our convictions. Undoubtedly, this is easier said than done, especially when we feel the weight of being flooded with social media, television, and ads to be someone better, prettier, more accomplished, and a go-getter.
I remember growing up thinking that my self-esteem and feeling good about myself depended upon how skinny and pretty I thought I needed to be. But no matter how much weight I lost, and regardless of having the right makeup, hairstyle, and clothes to accompany my new image, I still didn’t feel great about myself. I felt empty inside, and I tried to fill a void in my life with worldly things and concepts that only made me dislike myself even more. I was never going to attain the goal I was striving for. It took me years to realize that Christ alone defines my identity. My physical appearance, accomplishments, or the world and its standards don’t determine my identity; instead, it’s the fact that God has made me in his image, and due to Christ’s atoning work on my behalf, I now enjoy a relationship with my heavenly Father as his beloved daughter. He made me inside my mother’s womb as His beautiful creation, and I am to live as a light for Him, guiding others to Him through His Son, Jesus. Instead of worrying about how you can fit in, let your commitment to your faith serve as a beacon of light in a world of darkness, inspiring others to embrace the truth and beauty of the gospel instead of the temporary beauty offered by the world.
Romans 12:2 (NIV) "Do not conform to the pattern of 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."
3. Cultivate Authenticity
Authenticity is rare and precious in a society that values superficiality and image over substance and quality. As young women committed to our faith, we have the opportunity to embody authenticity in its purest form. Living out our beliefs with integrity and sincerity makes us living testimonies to Christ's incredible transformative power. Our commitment to authenticity strengthens our faith and invites others to experience God's genuine love and grace.
Now, I know what you are thinking…
”I am authentically me.”
“I am living truthfully to myself.”
“I am not conforming to the world…all the time.”
Sister, when you are truly rooted in your faith with the Lord as your firm foundation, you won’t even have to question whether you’re authentic. You just are! In this regard, being true to yourself would mean being true to the Lord your God, following His commandments, and rejecting what isn’t pleasing in His eyes. It takes utter courage and confidence to turn from the world and keep our gaze upon Him because we are continually overwhelmed by the business and distractions of life.
Galatians 1:10 (NIV) "Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ."
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4. Find Strength in Community
Now, this is my absolute favorite! I am what most would call an extroverted-introvert. Many would say I am a true extrovert, but I’m not actually. I can become overwhelmed with too much socializing and drained with too much conversation, and at times, I feel like my dog is my only companion because he doesn’t require me to talk or engage other than an ear scratch!
However, navigating the journey of our faith commitment is not meant to be done alone. We are designed for community, to walk alongside one another in fellowship and support. Surround yourself with like-minded believers who will encourage, challenge, and uplift you during your spiritual journey. When I’ve been at my lowest and when I’ve been at my highest, I’ve had a great support system in place from my church, my mom’s group, and my family. As a unit, we can help bolster each other's commitment to our faith and stand firm against the ever-changing currents of today’s culture.
Finding your community is vital as a young Christian female. You will find that you must rely on their strength, hope, and faith during the various seasons of life to get you through. The community’s commitment to their faith and your spiritual welfare will help sustain you when the devil comes knocking on your door. The same is true for you in someone else's circle. You will one day be someone's strength and voice in prayer when they cannot speak for themselves. Find your tribe, and don’t let them go!
Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 (NIV) "Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up."
Maintaining a strong commitment to our Christian faith is both a challenge and a privilege in a world characterized by constant change and fluctuating values. By anchoring ourselves in the unchanging truths of God's Word, resisting the pressure to conform, cultivating authenticity, and finding strength in community, we can navigate the complexities of our ever-changing world with confidence and conviction. Let us embrace our commitment to our faith together and forge ahead in this world as a light of hope for those around us. As you navigate this life sis, I pray that you will be rooted in stability and truth each day you live for the Lord.