Dear Family and Friends,
 
We just returned home after a lengthy trip abroad. All I can say is – God’s creation is: Incredible, Breathtaking and Beautiful.
 
But let’s be honest, there’s not too many places that compare with these islands we call home.
 
Speaking of home, it’s always a relief to find the house just as we left it – clean and orderly.
 
Unfortunately, the light of the next morning revealed we were badly mistaken.
 
Evidently, a group of birds had thrown a party on our lanai. And this was no ordinary party.
 
It was huge. The egrets and the ducks broke the species barrier and partied together – all afternoon.
 
How do I know this?
 
It is well established that birds “use the potty” wherever they happen to be every 15 minutes or so.
 
These birds were not just wherever – they were everywhere.
 
On top of that, this party was standing room only. It was so crowded, some stood on the chairs and grill.
 
Have you ever wondered why birds hang out together? It’s called flocking. 
 
I’m pretty sure no one has actually interviewed a bird, but experts say flocking provides birds protection from predators. There’s safety in numbers.
 
We humans actually do the same. But rather than flying, foraging, nesting, and in this case, partying in large groups, we humans “flock” by conforming to the dynamics of a group.
 
Do you remember how sticking out was not the smartest way to survive middle and high school?
 
We did our best to fit it. We succumbed to what’s called peer pressure.
 
What’s behind peer pressure? Fear.
 
Fear of being ostracized, ridiculed or bullied. (Perhaps we should be calling it fear pressure.)
 
I sense there is a growing level of anxiety and fear pervading throughout our society today.
 
Much of which is driven by changes in the ways of the world.
 
Changes that lead to uncertainty – a common cause of anxiety and fear.
 
I’m not here to comment on the merits of the changes.
 
My fear is that we who follow Christ succumb to the pressure and conform to the ways of society.
 
So, let’s look at what the Bible says about dealing with our changing world.
 
“Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.
 
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.” Romans 12:1-2 NIV
 
We have been given a choice.
 
We can allow the changes and uncertainty to affect us. Or we can follow Paul’s advice – and not conform to the pattern of this world.
 
What does it mean to conform?
 
It means allowing ourselves to be molded and shaped by society’s culture. And eventually adopting its values, priorities and behaviors as our own.
 
And what is the pattern of this world?
 
It’s the ways of thinking, acting and relating to one another that are inherent in a culture or society. Ways that are not in alignment with God and His word.
 
Jesus says the choice is ours to make.
 
“Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it.
But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.”  Matthew 7:13-14 NIV
 
What is the alternative Jesus spoke of – the small gate and narrow road?
 
One where we offer ourselves as living sacrifices.
 
Which means putting to death the life we choose to live. And living a life of self-denial.
 
Putting to death this misconceived idea that we belong to ourselves. And living a life of full obedience to God’s will.
 
Putting aside the pursuit of happiness. And living a life fulfilling the needs of others.
 
Putting aside our quest for earthly wealth. And living a life collecting spiritual treasure.
 
A living sacrifice is a sacrifice that leads to life.
 
Why is offering our bodies true and proper worship?
 
To worship means to serve. To offer our bodies in acts of service. Acts that reveal the true nature of our souls. 
 
The reasons for taking the narrow road to the small gate is compelling.
 
But I suspect we all know that it’s easier said than done. We will talk about that another time.
 
In the meantime, our message for today is: In times like these, flocking is good. Let’s just do so with the right crowd. 
 
In love always,