Jesus: The Ultimate Counter-Culture Warrior – It’s Time to Be Not Conformed

In a world that often prioritizes conformity and adherence to societal norms, some dare to challenge the status quo and embody a counter-cultural spirit. One such figure whose influence continues to resonate across centuries is our Lord and Savior, Jesus of Nazareth. His life and teachings stood in stark contrast to the prevailing religious and social structures of his time, inspiring a movement that transformed the world. The apostle Paul, a man deeply rooted in his native religious culture, experienced a profound transformation upon encountering the message of Jesus. Paul’s words in Romans 12:1-2 encapsulate this shift, urging believers to present themselves as “living sacrifices” and to resist conforming to the world.

Just How Radical a Follower of Jesus Are You, and Why Would You Care?

[Rom 12:1-2 KJV] 1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, [which is] your reasonable service. 2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what [is] that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

If there was ever a time to re-explore the counter-cultural nature of Jesus’ life and teachings, it is now. We’ll also look into the apostle Paul’s journey from a devout Pharisee to a passionate advocate for the counter-cultural message of Jesus, as reflected in his powerful exhortation in Romans 12:1-2. Additionally, we’ll draw a parallel between the counter-cultural spirit embodied by Jesus and the iconic song “Almost Cut My Hair” by Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, which captures the essence of resisting conformity and embracing individuality.

Jesus: Challenging the Status Quo

Jesus’ life and teachings were a radical departure from the prevailing religious and social norms of his time. He challenged the authority of the religious establishment, questioned traditional interpretations of scripture, and advocated for a more all-encompassing and compassionate approach to faith. Jesus’ emphasis on love, forgiveness, and social justice stood in stark contrast to the legalism and exclusivity that characterized much of the religious landscape of his day.

Furthermore, Jesus’ ministry was marked by a profound sense of counter-culturalism. He associated with those marginalized by society, including the poor, the sick, and the outcast. He challenged social hierarchies and advocated for the equality and dignity of all people. Jesus’ teachings and actions disrupted the prevailing social order and inspired a movement that sought to transform the world.

Paul’s Transformation and the Message of Romans 12:1-2

[Rom 12:1-2 KJV] 1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, [which is] your reasonable service. 2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what [is] that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

The apostle Paul, a devout Pharisee deeply entrenched in his native religious culture, experienced a dramatic transformation upon encountering the message of Jesus. Here is a point of introspection to measure our own authenticity. His encounter with the risen Christ on the road to Damascus led to a radical shift in his worldview and a profound change in his life’s purpose. Paul, once a persecutor of Christians, became a passionate advocate for the counter-cultural message of Jesus. How does your personal experience with Jesus measure against the radical transformation of the Apostle Paul. There’s a reason God used Paul to write two-thirds of the New Testament. Like David in the Old Testament times, Paul was and is still today a “Man after God’s Own Heart.” It cost him dearly. What has your commitment to Christ cost you? Is He the central sun, the spiritual super-nova at the center of your life, focus and attention or is He merely a spiritual condiment, an enhancement to augment the same choices you made before you met the Lord? Embracing Counter-Culture Christianity without actual sacrifice, change and transformation is one of the great deceptions in Christian circles today. We mouth and say the right things but there is little difference between our walk and experience and that of those around us who don’t embrace faith traditions.

In Romans 12:1-2, Paul urges believers to present their bodies as “living sacrifices” to God, a stark contrast to the animal sacrifices prescribed by the religious traditions of his time. This call to offer oneself wholly to God represents a radical departure from the prevailing religious practices and a profound commitment to a counter-cultural way of life. We see this “living sacrifice” concept as poignant and touching, but let’s remember that the sacrifices Paul knew in Judaism were bloody, death dealing and cutting. The animal was brought against its will, bled out, dismembered and burned to ashes – all by divine prescription of the Torah. The Old Testament is a shadow of New Testament spiritual substance. Have you experienced being a living sacrifice, or are you simply following Jesus from afar lest the cost be more than you feel capable of paying?

Furthermore, Paul’s exhortation to “be not conformed to this world” underscores the importance of resisting the pressures to conform to societal norms and expectations. He calls for a transformation of the mind, a renewal of one’s thinking and perspective, that enables believers to discern and embrace the will of God. This transformation leads to a life marked by counter-cultural values and actions that reflect the radical love and grace exemplified by Jesus.

“Almost Cut My Hair”: A Song of Counter-Cultural Resistance

The iconic song “Almost Cut My Hair” by Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young captures the essence of resisting conformity and embracing individuality. The lyrics express a sense of defiance against societal pressures to conform, symbolized by the act of refusing to cut one’s hair. The song’s protagonist chooses to let their “freak flag fly,” embracing their unique identity and rejecting the expectations of others. What about you? Are you letting your “freak flag” fly – or conforming to the expectations of those around you in order to find safety in the anonymity of conformity to the passions and agendas of those around you both Christian and non-Christian?

This song resonates with the counter-cultural spirit embodied by Jesus and advocated by the apostle Paul. It speaks to the importance of resisting the pressures to conform to the world and instead embracing a life marked by authenticity, individuality, and a commitment to higher values. Let those words become a mantra in your life: “Authenticity, Individuality, Higher Values.” The song’s message echoes Paul’s call to be transformed by the renewing of the mind and to live a life that reflects the radical love and grace of God. It is true that Jesus calls us the “sheep of His pasture” and we need to embrace that place in His personal community of faith and not try to live out some lone-wolf spirituality, all the while protesting that our spiritual sensibilities are so acute we can be a part of the community of faith. This is the attitude of the “Spiritual But Not Religious” crowd and the spirit behind that movement is as profoundly corrupt as those in Jesus’ day who said “Lord, Lord” but then when the winds of change came they adjusted their protestations to “Crucify Him, Crucify Him.”

Let’s Wrap It Up

Jesus of Nazareth stands as the ultimate counter-culture figure, whose life and teachings challenged the prevailing religious, political and social structures of his time. His emphasis on love, forgiveness, and justice inspired a movement that sought to transform the world. The apostle Paul, a man deeply rooted in his native religious culture, experienced a profound transformation upon encountering the message of Jesus. His words in Romans 12:1-2 urge believers to present themselves as “living sacrifices” and to resist conforming to the world.
The counter-cultural spirit embodied by Jesus and advocated by Paul continues to inspire and challenge people today. In a world that often prioritizes conformity and adherence to societal norms, the message of Jesus and Paul calls us to embrace a life marked by authenticity, individuality, and a commitment to higher values. It challenges us to resist the pressures to conform to the world and instead to live a life that reflects the radical love and grace of God.

As we navigate the complexities of the modern world, let us remember the counter-cultural spirit embodied by Jesus and advocated by the apostle Paul. Let us dare to challenge the status quo, to resist the pressures to conform, and to embrace a life marked by authenticity, individuality, and a commitment to higher values. In doing so, we can truly live as “living sacrifices,” reflecting the radical love and grace of God in a world that desperately needs it.

Confronting Our Inner-Pharisee, Rooting Out the Self-Deceptions of Our Day

• Individualist Illusion: You think you’re a rebel, a non-conformist, an individual? Wake up. You may be just another sheep in the herd, bleating the same slogans, wearing the same brands, and parroting the same opinions fed to you by the media and political machine.

• Cannon Fodder: You’re not fighting the system; you’re fueling it. Could it be that your “individuality” is just another product to be consumed, packaged, and sold back to you. You’re cannon fodder in the culture wars, fighting battles that serve someone else’s agenda. The Church world in America has been co-opted by the Political Realm all in the name of securing representation by politicians making promises, and committing values that once in office disappears like a bottle in the smoke.

• Conformity in Disguise: You think your tattoos, piercings, and alternative lifestyle make you unique? Think again. This can be and often is just another form of conformity, a rebellion manufactured by the very system you claim to oppose.

• Pop Culture Puppets: You dance to the tune of pop culture, follow the latest trends, and worship at the altar of celebrity. That’s not being an individual or being authentic. Its being a puppet, manipulated by the strings of mass media and consumerism.

• Political Pawns: You think you’re politically aware, but if you aren’t careful, if you aren’t willing to open your eyes and really see, you may be just regurgitating talking points and party lines. You’re not shaping the political landscape; you’re being shaped by it, a pawn in a game played by those in power.

Call to Action: Radical Suggestions

• Shatter Your Illusions: Question everything you believe, every value you hold dear. Are they truly yours, or are they implants from the culture around you?

• Re-examine Your “Individuality”: Take a hard look at your self-expression. Is it truly unique, or is it just a trendy facade?

• Ditch the Labels: “Spiritual but not religious”? It’s just another label, a box to confine your thinking. Break free from the constraints of categorization.

• Unplug from the Matrix: Limit your consumption of mass media and pop culture. Seek out alternative sources of information and inspiration.

• Embrace True Rebellion: Don’t just rebel against the mainstream; rebel against the very idea of rebellion itself. Forge your own path, guided by your own values and principles.

10-Part Call to Action

1. Critical Thinking: Cultivate the ability to think critically and question everything. Don’t accept information at face value; be like the Bereans in the book of Acts – analyze, dissect, and challenge.

2. Self-Awareness: Develop a deep understanding of yourself, your motivations, and your values. This will help you resist external influences and make choices aligned with your true self.

3. Mindful Consumption: Be conscious of what you consume, both physically and mentally. Choose quality over quantity, and prioritize experiences that nourish your mind and soul.

4. Creative Expression: Find healthy outlets for your creativity. Express yourself through art, music, writing, or any other medium that resonates with you. Your mind, talents and abilities are a stewardship from God – don’t bury your talent – put it on display for the Kingdom and the Gospel.

5. Community Building: Connect with like-minded individuals who share your values and aspirations. Find and become a part of a community that supports and challenges you to grow, and that needs YOUR support, presence and input.

6. Service to Others: Shift your focus from self-centered pursuits to serving others. Find ways to contribute to your community and make a positive impact on the world.

7. Lifelong Learning: Commit to a journey of lifelong learning. Seek out knowledge and wisdom from diverse sources, and never stop expanding your horizons. Remember that truth is where you find it – don’t forget to investigate the obscure, the mystical and unpopular ideas and value systems that resonate with Biblical models of spirituality.

8. Inner Peace: Cultivate inner peace through practices like meditation, mindfulness, or prayer. This will help you stay grounded and centered amidst the chaos of the world.

9. Courage and Resilience: Develop the courage to stand up for what you believe in, even when it’s unpopular. Cultivate resilience to overcome challenges and setbacks.

10. Authenticity: Strive to live a life of authenticity, true to your own values and principles. Don’t be afraid to be different, to stand out from the crowd, and to forge your own path.

Remember, true individuality is not about conforming to a counter-culture; it’s about transcending all cultures and anchoring your life to the third-rail, 440 volt, sizzling burning strands of Gospel truth anchored deeply in the Cross and the Person of Jesus Christ. It’s a lifelong journey of self-discovery, growth, and transformation. Are you ready to embark on this journey?