Monday, February 27, 2012

Fighting the "Norm"

I've thought about this quite a bit these past few weeks.
I'm defining "the norm" as what society may classify "I should have or should be doing".
It's so much easier said than done, but here goes:

  • "The norm" would say at my age that I "should" have a boyfriend or spouse to satisfy me or complete me {ie. chick flicks, sappy love songs talking about how a person completes them}. By the grace of God, I have seen that no earthly relationship will ever satisfy or complete me.
  • "The norm" would say that at my age I "should" have a successful career in my field of study working 9-5 with weekends off. By His grace, I am learning what jobs I am good at and what ones I'm not while still being able to faithfully give to Him, help others out financially and pay off student debt.
  • "The norm" would say I "should" own a home of my own or "should" be renting on my own. And not just a home, but a beautiful penthouse in NY. By His grace, He's shown me the state of the economy and how to live below my means.
  • "The norm" basically says I should look, think, do and act a certain way. God's grace tells me that I am free to be who He made me to be. I am no longer bonded to materialistic things, any person or any way of thinking. When Jesus died for me on the cross all my bonds that led to death were transferred onto Him and He imparted His righteousness unto me. I am now free to live for the one who set me free.
Do not be conformed to this world,but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. {Romans 12:2}

7 comments:

Jess Versteeg said...

the "norm" now for graduates of a arts degree is to be in the exact same place as you.

Unknown said...

Giving the norm hope beyond the everyday may have been a more suitable title. Or breaking my unrealistic expectations.

lindsay said...

Amen.

Diane said...

As followers of Christ, the doing of his will is the norm. Jesus had nowhere to lay his head. Yet, his education was from the Highest source. Jesus gave one of the most powerful lectures ever! No other speech has effected mankind like his Sermon on the Mt. Therefore, this world's view of success does not originate with God. This world is passing away, and so is its desire. But, he who does the will of God will be exalted. (1 Jo 2:15-17) It ensures everlasting life on "earth, or in heaven!" ; )

Emily Morrice said...

hahaha Jess is right about art grads these days but still, I greatly appreciate your post Amanda.

Because I think in Christian circles, the norms for relationships and family are different than in the secular world, and there can be un-due pressure to "have it all" by your mid-20s.

Love your perspective!
The Gospel is changing you all the time :)

Elizabeth said...

Great post! Thank you for shining as a light in this dark world! "We are to be in the world, but not of the world." John 15:19

Elizabeth said...

Great post! Thank you for shining as a light in this dark world! "We are to be in the world, but not of the world." John 15:19