CR5 Issue 170 July 2019

The true non-conformist
I recently saw an advert on TV for Seat, the
car manufacturer. It was aimed squarely at
the millennial generation of which I would
be considered an elder statesperson. The
campaign is called “because them, us” and
it contrasts old ways of doing things with
the [implied much better] new ways. Cue
lines such as “because they own [cut to picture
of stuffy auction house], we share.” It
is a message of non-conformity and it plays
to the arrogance of youth; that feeling that
we are seeing the world with fresh eyes and
therefore will inevitably be able to improve
it with our fresh thinking.
There is some truth in it and sometimes a
fresh approach can make a huge difference.
The message that we do not need to be
constrained by the shackles of the past can
be liberating. However, it often seems the
case that the non-conformist firebrand ends
up leading as conventional a life as the people
against whom they defined themselves so
strongly. Perhaps this is too cynical – you
see I am clearly older than Seat’s target
demographic! It is also worth considering
that the advert is ultimately trying to get
people to buy cars – hardly a ground-breaking
concept!
So, is conformity just inevitable? Must we all
live identikit plasticky lives of conventionality?
There is certainly a strong urge in us to find
our own way and to do things differently.
This is not bad in itself but perhaps the issue
is what we define ourselves against.
You may be surprised to hear that the Bible
encourages non-conformity. In the Apostle
Paul’s letter to the church in Rome he says
“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.” In Seat-language: -
“because society, God”!
Rather than simply conforming to what is
expected of us by our culture we have the
choice to live differently. This is not a cry to
do it your own way – but instead to ask God
to reshape your thinking so you do things His
way. That means living and loving in a radical
way; not for your own ends but for others
in service of God. It is a brave person who is
wiling to take up the challenge, and it is the
vocation of a lifetime. Living for ourselves
may seem radical but it is the same message
that has motivated humanity for millennia.
The Christian message is much more
challenging, and if we engage in it, far more
rewarding – even more than a new car…!
Have a great month.
Peter Russell
Prayer for Coulsdon & Old Coulsdon exists to
encourage Christians to pray for the town and
its residents. We are supported by Churches
Together in Coulsdon. We believe that prayer
changes things and would encourage you to
join in praying for our town.
This may be through coming along to one of
our existing prayer groups, or receiving our
monthly prayer bulletin (contact Carol Russell
for details). You are warmly welcome to one
of the prayer meetings in July:
Monday 1st July – 9am
at 56 Bradmore Way, Old Coulsdon
Tuesday 16th July – 8pm
at 2 Keats Way, Cane Hill, Coulsdon
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