“Powerful forces have a vested interest in our believing the myth (and it is a myth) that we are following no one at all. Many of the cultural liturgies that indoctrinate us daily—’Be true to yourself,’ ‘You do you,’ ‘Speak your truth’—can be traced back to sources with a nefarious agenda.
Any skilled con artist knows the key to deceiving your mark is to get them to believe your scheme was their idea. Translation: The key to getting people to follow you is to convince them they aren’t following anyone at all.
For those of us who desire to follow Jesus, here is the reality we must turn and face: If we’re not being intentionally formed by Jesus himself, then it’s highly likely we are being unintentionally formed by someone or something else.”
— John Mark Comer
Cultural Liturgies and Hidden Influences
These cultural liturgies are not merely coincidental trends but carefully crafted messages designed to appeal to our intrinsic desire for autonomy and self-determination. They exploit our human inclination to resist authority while simultaneously promoting a framework that subtly installs alternative influences in place of the ones we consciously reject. By championing slogans of self-empowerment, these forces obscure the reality of our constant formation by external factors. The very act of believing that we are “free agents” often blinds us to the mechanisms shaping our identity and values.
A fundamental principle of manipulation, well understood by skilled con artists, is the ability to deceive by making the mark believe that the scheme is their own idea. In other words, the most effective form of control occurs when individuals are convinced they are not being controlled at all. This principle underscores a critical aspect of human behavior: we are all being formed, whether or not we realize it. The narratives we consume, the habits we cultivate, and the cultural practices we engage in act as subtle yet powerful forces shaping our understanding of reality.
The Call to Intentional Discipleship
For those who seek to follow Jesus, this reality carries profound implications. If we are not being intentionally and actively shaped by the teachings and example of Jesus Christ, we are almost certainly being shaped unintentionally by external cultural forces, societal expectations, or media influences. Formation is inevitable; what varies is the source and direction of that formation. Even the most passive engagement with culture results in some degree of spiritual and ideological shaping, often leading us further from the transformative power of Christ.
This observation challenges us to critically examine the influences shaping our lives. Are we consciously aligning ourselves with the transformative power of Christ, or are we passively conforming to cultural narratives that often prioritize self-interest and consumerism? The process of discipleship is never neutral; it is always active. The question is not whether we are being discipled but rather who or what is doing the discipling. While cultural mantras may appeal to our desire for self-definition, they often mask the deeper influence of ideologies and institutions that subtly reorient our lives away from God’s purposes.
Surrendering to Christ’s Transformative Power
To follow Jesus requires a deliberate choice to reject passive formation and instead pursue intentional spiritual growth. This means aligning our hearts, minds, and behaviors with His teachings, allowing His presence to guide and transform us. It demands vigilance against the subtle yet pervasive forces seeking to draw our focus away from Him and toward transient, self-centered ideals. Intentional discipleship is an ongoing process of choosing Jesus over competing narratives, one that requires consistent engagement with Scripture, prayer, and the community of faith.
The formative power of Jesus’s teachings lies not only in their moral directives but in their capacity to reorient our affections and desires. As we immerse ourselves in His Word and seek His presence, we begin to see how our identity is reshaped to reflect His character. This process of sanctification involves both a rejection of the false narratives of autonomy and an embrace of the freedom found in surrender to Christ. True freedom is not found in the absence of influence but in the presence of a loving Savior who guides and transforms us.
Living in Freedom Through Discipleship
Ultimately, this is more than a cautionary reflection; it is a theological call to action. Recognizing the inevitability of formation compels us to actively choose Christ as the source of our transformation. In doing so, we resist the cultural forces that seek to define us and instead embrace the redemptive and renewing work of God. Through intentional discipleship, we can move beyond the influence of deceptive narratives and fully participate in the life-changing work of Christ’s kingdom.
Examining Our Daily Rhythms
Furthermore, this call to intentional formation challenges us to examine the rhythms of our daily lives. What habits are we cultivating, and what narratives are we reinforcing through those habits? Are we allowing the Word of God to shape our perspectives, or are we passively absorbing the values promoted by culture? The practice of spiritual disciplines—such as meditative prayer, communal worship, and acts of service—serves as a counter-liturgy to the pervasive cultural messages that prioritize self over others and autonomy over surrender.
The Role of Community in Formation
The act of discipleship also requires communal accountability. The church, as the body of Christ, provides a space for mutual encouragement, correction, and growth. Within this community, believers can challenge one another to resist cultural conformity and instead pursue lives marked by love, humility, and obedience to God. The church acts as a collective witness to the transformative power of intentional formation, offering a tangible expression of God’s kingdom in a world that often feels fragmented and self-serving.
Final Thoughts
As we navigate this tension between cultural influence and Christ-centered formation, it is essential to remember that the transformative work of discipleship is a gradual process. There will be moments of struggle and failure, but these are not signs of defeat—they are opportunities for deeper dependence on God’s grace. The journey of following Jesus is one of continual renewal, as the Holy Spirit works within us to align our hearts and minds with God’s purposes.
In conclusion, the myth of radical independence is one of the most pervasive deceptions of our age. Recognizing this myth for what it is allows us to step into the reality of intentional formation. By choosing to follow Jesus and rejecting the passive influences of culture, we participate in a transformative process that reshapes our identity, renews our desires, and aligns our lives with the eternal purposes of God. Through this journey, we find not only freedom from the constraints of cultural narratives but also the abundant life promised by Christ—a life marked by joy, purpose, and communion with our Creator.
Minimizing me...making much of Jesus 