Alexander the Great, one of the greatest military generals, conquered almost the entire known world with his vast army. One night during a campaign, he couldn’t sleep and left his tent to walk around the campground. As he was walking, he came across a soldier asleep on guard duty, a serious offense. The penalty for falling asleep on guard duty was, in some cases, instant death. The soldier began to wake up as Alexander the Great approached him. Recognizing who was standing in front of him, the young man feared for his life. “Do you know what the penalty is for falling asleep on guard duty?” Alexander the Great asked the soldier. “Yes, sir,” the soldier responded in a quivering voice. “Soldier, what’s your name?” demanded Alexander the Great. “Alexander, sir.” Alexander the Great repeated the question: “What is your name?” “My name is Alexander, sir,” the soldier repeated. A third time and more loudly Alexander the Great asked, “What is your name?” A third time the soldier meekly said, “My name is Alexander, sir.” Alexander the Great then looked the young soldier straight in the eye. “Soldier,” he said with intensity, “either change your name or change your conduct!”
The faith a Christian professes with his or her mouth must harmonize with his or her daily conduct! Inspiration said it best, “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” (Romans 12:2).
Firstly, consider the command: “And be not conformed to this world…” This directive is not optional! God was clear in His desire for His people to be different from the secular society in which they live. He has never approved of His people “blending” in (cf. Deuteronomy 7:2-3; 2 Corinthians 6:14ff; et al.)! Conformity is not Christianity! When God views you from His throne room in heaven surrounded by your daily acquaintances, do you stand out in His eyes or blend in? Faithful Christians cannot be like this sinful world (1 John 2:15-17).
Secondly, regard the change: “…but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind…” The mind is where the conscious decision to be different is determined. Sadly, some who profess Christianity are simply content to “ride the fence.” Even sadder still, sometimes a religious or moral discussion among professing Christians almost leaves the flavor that one or more are almost “defending” the world. For example, have you ever discussed a recent “box office hit” movie only to have another Christian speak up and defend the immorality by saying, “There was only one nude scene” or “The movie was really good; I wouldn’t let my kids see it because of the language, but the plot was amazing”? Such worldliness will never please God! The word “transformed” in our text denotes a radical change! Christianity is just that – a radical change that begins in the mind and directs every action, every deed, every thought and every motive.
Lastly, note the consequence: “…that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” This “proof” is not shown by our words alone! A person can say almost anything, but simply saying it does not make it so. We can preach a masterpiece with our tongues, but our daily conduct will be heard much more clearly!
Those who wear the name of Christ must live like He did (1 Peter 2:21; 1 John 2:6). To those who are not willing to live like He did, I guess Alexander the Great was spot on when he said, “Change your name or change your conduct”! May God help us to be different!
