As a young adolescent, I remember wanting to be one of the “it” kids who belonged to the “it” crew. You know, the ones who were “cool” and “hip”? The ones who made smoking, drinking, and even doing drugs seem awesome and fine? I mean, who doesn’t? Everyone wants to belong to the coolest group, and everyone wants to be the “cool” kid.

However, does it really mean that you have to do even the things that are clearly wrong?

We are now living in a world where everything seems to have a set of guidelines in terms of how you’re supposed to act or behave or just do anything. Going against these “rules” makes you “uncool” and “weird”. What does being “cool” really mean?

Let’s look at what the Bible has to say:

“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 12:12)

Does it mean that you shouldn’t conform to the rules of the world? No, of course not. You should always follow the traffic rules. You should never commit crimes. You should always wear clothes when you’re outside your house.

The “world” the Bible is referring to here isn’t Earth (like, the planet itself). It refers to the way everyone expects you to act, to be more like them. With that clarified, what the Bible is trying to say here is that we should always check, deep in our conscience, if what we’re doing is right. The Bible doesn’t want you to go against the laws of nature or the government; it wants just wants you to discern your choices wisely and not just follow what everyone is doing. If you did what you’re thinking of doing, will God be pleased or He give Himself a huge facepalm?

Just because everyone is doing it doesn’t mean you should, too. Also, just because everyone’s doing it means it’s right. Help the old lady cross the street or carry her stuff even if everyone seems to be ignoring her on purpose. Kiss your mom on the cheek even if she tells you that she loves you in front of your friends (#KindaCringey). Don’t smoke or drink just because everyone else is. You don’t have to imitate other people to be cool. Besides, God made us unique in our own ways. All of us. Why settle to being an imitation when you can be unique just the way you are?

Go against the flow if it’s the right thing to do and stop thinking about what others might say. In the end, remember that we’re all accountable to God and God alone, not other people’s opinions and expectations toward us.

(TLDR: Don’t smoke and do drugs just because Cooly McWavyhair is doing it. Be cool in His eyes, not other people’s.)

On another note, here’s “Radical”  by Disciple. I think it goes well with today’s entry, and I really also wanted to share this song with you guys. As a new Christian myself, I kinda struggled with looking for good metal bands that I can listen to. I wanted to look for a Band that has the right sound and the right message. Disciple was one of the bands that I stumbled across who had the mix that I was looking for: good guitar riffs and an intense passion to glorify God! I hope you guys like it!