Swimming Upstream in a Downstream World
- The Narrow Path
- Jul 14, 2023
- 3 min read
Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is–his good, pleasing and perfect will (Romans 12:2, NIV).
When I was little, my twin brother and I would often go to our neighbor’s house in the summer. They had an above ground pool, so it was always a popular destination for our group of friends. Like most every kid, we loved to swim!
His pool was circular, so one of our favorite things to do was to run together in one direction to create a current, and then we’d quickly stop, turn around and try to run against the current we had just created. It was hard—we would sometimes lose our footing and slip, but would always get right back up and continue pushing forward. And it was always so much fun.
I actually find myself doing that very same thing today as an adult. I’m not talking specifically about running opposite the current in a swimming pool, but instead, about swimming upstream in a downstream world.
Every single choice we make in this life is impacted by society and the environment around us, whether we realize it or not. When everyone around you is floating downstream, it’s difficult to continue trying to swim upstream.
What does that look like? Honestly, it looks a lot like dying to self in a lot of ways. It’s always easier to float downstream and let yourself get carried away with the current, even if it’s moving in a direction that you don’t agree with.
The desire of my heart has always been to have a family. However, I have committed my heart to Jesus first. I intend to continue to allow His will for my life to be the top priority. When Jesus asks me to swim upstream, even when it’s hard, I want to choose that.
I won’t settle for a relationship just because society says I should be married by now. I won’t allow sex to become recreational even though that is the social norm. I won’t marry a man unless we are equally yoked and able to serve Jesus better together.
If we aren’t careful, we can allow societal pressures, the influence of social media, or words from well meaning friends to lead us into a decision that isn’t God’s best for us.
Instead we must choose to follow the words of Paul from Romans 12:2, which says: Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is–his good, pleasing and perfect will.
If we desire to uphold Biblical principles when it comes to making life decisions, we must daily renew our mind by seeking the Lord’s will for our lives. This happens through reading the Word, talking to God in prayer, and surrounding yourselves with mentors and friends who will always point you to Jesus. In this way, we can equip ourselves with the discipline, strength, and courage to continue swimming upstream in a downstream world.
Though it isn’t as much fun as running against the current in the pool as a kid, I leave you with the words of Dory from Finding Nemo: Just keep swimming. Just keep swimming, swimming, swimming.
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