Mom Heart Moments #66

Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.

I HAVE PONDERED MANY TIMES what it means to be transformed, changed, reshaped as an antidote to being conformed to the world. To be transformed means to become something other, to be changed into something different. And the idea of being transformed in order not to be conformed to the world applies so clearly to family culture.

The more we can do to instill a sense of “This is who we are,” “This is why we believe,” and “This is what we stand for,” the better chance we and our children will have of resisting the urge to conform to the world. A family culture that is distinct and grace giving has the power to both change and protect us.

It won’t happen by accident, however. Establishing and shaping a family culture requires intentionality, thoughtful planning, commitment, and sacrifice. But the result can be truly transformative.

Austria has resisted being shaped by contemporary global culture because its own national culture is so strong and lively. So must we construct a strong, definitive, faith-giving, biblical family culture. Then those in our homes will be better able to resist the compromising draw of the world because they will have been shaped and changed by the place where they spend the majority of their days. If they grow up steeped in Scripture and truth, beautiful and lifegiving practices, and the sacrificial example of love at home, chances are they will carry these virtues with them. In the absence of such foundational shaping, they will by default go the way of the world.

Paul urges his readers to offer themselves as “a living and holy sacrifice” (Romans 12:1). How can that apply to parents trying to establish a family culture that is strong enough to resist the culture of the world around it? What kind of sacrifices do we have to make?