DON'T CONFORM

 

Gen Z — what are we going to get with this next generation?

They might:

• Value authenticity—want to be “real” rather than polished.
• Be less swayed by traditional authority or institutions.
• Prefer side hustles, freelancing, or creative projects over traditional 9-to-5 jobs.
• Feel comfortable blending passions with income.

At first glance, these traits may feel new. But as I look back on my own childhood in the 1950s, I realize some of these values were already alive in my family. In many ways, we were non-conformists long before the term was popular. My dad didn’t think furniture was necessary when orange crates would do. My brothers dreamed of flying to Mars. My sister resisted joining youth group at church. I refused to play a musical instrument and often chose the opposite of what everyone else was doing—just to prove I wasn’t conforming. Meanwhile, my mom held firmly to her belief that every woman should get a college education, and she assumed that we were all “perfect people” who always made the right choices.

Of course, life eventually taught me otherwise. As I grew older, I discovered I was not perfect, and I couldn’t just wing it when it came to work or home life. My early goal had been to have fun—dating without any interest in marriage and resisting the idea of being a housewife. My post-college dreams were ambitious and adventurous: becoming a Rockette in New York City or serving as a Gray Lady in South Korea.

But life has a way of surprising us. My last boyfriend asked if I wanted to make our relationship more permanent. I assumed he meant marriage. Since his dream was to sail to Tahiti, I agreed, thinking our life together would be adventurous and house-free. Instead, we got hitched and settled into a house. To my surprise, Chris expected a full three-course dinner every night. I began checking books out of the library to learn how to cook. Six years later, after teaching first grade, we welcomed a baby girl. Once again, I turned to the library—this time for books on how to take care of a baby. Around the same time, our church started a mothers of preschoolers group, and I learned a great deal from being part of that community.

Still, there came a point when housework and family life felt overwhelming. That’s when I turned to God. I joined a Bible study and, later, prayer groups—especially after being diagnosed with fibromyalgia. Slowly, I learned that true self-esteem doesn’t come from perfection, achievements, or doing everything right. It comes from seeking God. With His help, I began to develop the talents and abilities He had given me. He was shaping me, not into the world’s idea of success, but into His image—reflecting His character and fulfilling my divine purpose.

As Romans 12:2 reminds us: “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.”