Where I am Does Not Alter Who I am

Compromising your values, beliefs, and moral compass can be easy when you struggle to fit in. When worldly norms and secular influences taunt you to let go of your foundations, it’s crucial that your faith is strong enough to be the secure line you can trust won’t snap under pressure. Over the last few months, I’ve worked on fortifying my line back to reality with reminders of truth and words of reassurance that this world is not my home.

I recently went to Cancún, Mexico, for a business trip to meet my remote team in person for the first time. I knew going into the 2-day packed agenda that there would be moments that would require me to choose who I would represent–

The world or God.

Nights full of drinking and dancing quickly segregated me from the rest of my coworkers. As I watched them lose control over their bodies on cheap alcohol, I chose to go to bed early. I didn’t think twice about whether or not that was the right decision because I knew that if I’m to believe that my body is a temple when I’m sitting in a pew on Sunday in my hometown, I should see it as that same temple in the middle of resort party off the coast of Mexico.

The next morning I would wake up at the start of the day to see the sun rise spectacularly over the horizon. As everyone else aided to last night’s hangover, I was given the honor of having a few quiet hours alone with God, being reminded that He is the same yesterday, as He is today, and as He will be tomorrow. Those peaceful, serene moments gave me time to begin my day with gratitude and praise and to pray for the strength and courage that day would require.

Each day, conversations surrounding me contradicted my political beliefs and faith, creating a sense of internal polarity between me and my team. Even though I chose to keep my conservative and biblical views to myself, I began to inwardly disconnect from the others sitting at the same table. How could I be a part of affirming transgenderism and LGBTQ communities? Would I support left-wing idealogy and anti-Christian views to give myself a place in their conversation?

I’m not naive to the state of our culture, my generation specifically, and those who closely surround me in age. But I was saddened and disheartened by the lack of original thought and authentic conversation. The dialogue I witnessed felt artificial, peppered with the constant pushing of political agendas. I tried my best to steer the conversations in more neutral directions, but after a while, it became clear that I didn’t belong.

Still, even amongst the stark dissimilarities of those around me, I found ways to engage with people open to more energizing conversation topics. However, the most challenging part of my trip wasn’t letting my morals and Godly foundation guide me; it was seeing how easy my counterparts found it to fall victim to Satan’s schemes and give in to the lies of the world.

When questioned about my faith a few times, I explained the significance of my beliefs and why I believed them. I was met with respect for my choices, but those I talked with could never identify themselves as someone who would grip tightly onto God’s Word. They would rather mold and conform to the world around them than be ostracized from society.

And that, to me, was the saddest part.

In Romans 12:2, Paul states, “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.”

I couldn’t willingly compromise my convictions, knowing that the Lord alone is the cornerstone of my identity. I couldn’t gamble with my soul and leave as an imposter, unrecognizable the next time I looked in the mirror. When I see myself, I want to see the qualities of God. I want to know that no matter where I am, my reflection is consistent with who God says I am.

In Ephesians 5:1, we are similarly told, “Therefore be imitators of God as dear children. And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma.”

We deny God and claim our place among the scoffers when we imitate the world. As Christians, we know that Jesus will one day come again, and it would be the greatest tragedy to be caught on the other side of everlasting life. Therefore, I am responsible for ensuring that my heart posture doesn’t exist to please a master other than God.

My words define my worth.

My choices corroborate my convictions.

And my personal abandonment of the world’s lies affirms my allegiance to the truth.