Christians all over the world will all be tempted in different ways. One problem we all will face is being tempted to conform to the world. Everyday we face the demands of jobs, raising children, and days with too much to do in too little time. Stress starts building up and it gets more difficult to make the right decisions. John 15:19 says 'If you belonged to the world, the world would treat you with affection and would love you as its own. But because you are not of the world (no longer one with it), but I have chosen (selected) you out of the world, the world hates (detests) you.'
There's an encouraging word in Proverbs 4:18 though: 'But the path of the (uncompromisingly) just and righteous is like the light of dawn, that shines more and more (brighter and clearer) until (it reaches its full strength and glory in) the perfect day (to be prepared). That makes me excited! Everything won't happen overnight, but slowly and steadily the light will become brighter. And if we focus on the Light everyday, living in this world will become easier.
Speaking of light ? one way to ensure that we know the way that we have to go is searching God's Word and storing it in our hearts. Psalm 119:105 'Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.' We have to meditate on heavenly things and not get distracted by the world.
So, everybody's working and pushing themselves to new limits. How should Christians be doing their jobs? The most important thing to remember is to keep your priorities straight. Acts 20:35 'In everything I have pointed out to you (by example) that, by working diligently in this manner, we ought to assist the weak, being mindful of the words of the Lord Jesus, how He Himself said, It is more blessed (makes one happier and more to be envied) to give than to receive.' We should spend more time being thankful for what we have than longing for what our friends have. 1 Tim.6:8 'But if we have food and clothing, with these we shall be content (satisfied). And some of us think that we'll only be content when we are rich. The Bible warns against riches though! Mark 10:24b ? 25 'But Jesus said to them again, Children, how hard is it for those who trust (place their confidence, their sense of safety) in riches to enter the kingdom of God! It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.'
So how do we remain strangers in this world? We have to be so sure of our goal everyday so that we may recognise clearly every temptation to not do the will of God. This will only happen if we spend time with God. I will not be able to do pleasant things with my children if I don't spend time with them finding out what they need. The same is true of God. Pleasing Him and doing His will should be the biggest desire of our hearts and the first thing on our minds when we wake up in the morning. Out of our relationship with Him the right behaviour will follow. And although some things will still be difficult to do, it will be rewarding to know that we are doing His will. Remember that God has a perfect plan for each of our lives. Even though sometimes we think that we have a better idea of what to do with our lives and dreams. We cannot commit our lives to Jesus without also allowing Him to take control of our dreams and future. That's where faith begins ? to walk step by step in the knowledge that, even when you can't see the end results, there will be God's results. And it will be to our benefit. He is God Almighty who wants the best for us and loves us ? why not trust Him?
Other Scriptural references:
1 Chronicles 29:15
Leviticus 25:23b
Psalm 119:19a
Hebrews 13:14
John 17:14-16
James 4:4
James 1:27
Galatians 1:10
Matthew 10:16
1 Timothy 4:12
All quoted scriptures are from the Amplified Bible.
Adele Laubscher is a mother of two and an active christian. She loves to share her experiences on a weekly basis with readers. She writes a christian newsletter called The Christian Walk. http://www.tradeology.com/christian.html
car service from Midway Burlington .. Lockport Chicago limo O’HareWith another year full of family events coming upon us,... Read More
"If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself... Read More
Freedom....The cherished goal of humanity throughout its history.No society has... Read More
How many of us rush blindly through our days, fall... Read More
"May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the... Read More
Celebrities and common people all over the world are known... Read More
It seems to me that our moment to moment relationship... Read More
A new chapter in my life begins today, the anniversary... Read More
The second verse of Amy Grant's song, "Angels Watching Over... Read More
Matthew 3:4-6 John Baptizes the People4 Now John wore a... Read More
God, what a wonderful spirit. He, is our ever present... Read More
Let's take a look at all these aspects. The bible... Read More
It's not exactly a news flash that we live in... Read More
The first gospel written by Matthew,who is Levi, is the... Read More
Behold, a certain young maiden did often times and at... Read More
I heard recently on a Christian radio station somebody talking... Read More
I have, in my opinion, the world's perfect job. Just... Read More
Sundered Knight:Although the world, Denies the weak aid and justice,... Read More
An acrostic prayer poem.The Lord loves me and is gracious... Read More
We are apart of all that is, our consciousness spring... Read More
Matthew 1:1-17The Genealogy of Jesus Christ1 The book of the... Read More
The earth is wrapped in a thin, loose shell of... Read More
It is my personal view that the reason we call... Read More
Most of us are familiar with the inner criticism and... Read More
I am often asked to explain what I mean by... Read More
Granger limo Chicago ..A year ago, a beautiful woman came to see me.... Read More
I do not want curiosity seekers, who come for a... Read More
My lady Lydia was a Hawkins of the ancestry of... Read More
It was my intention to explain the word "simple," and... Read More
In earlier articles entitled "We Are Not Our Personalities", "Eliminating... Read More
Do you go to God seeking His will for your... Read More
Self-actualization comes down to three basic premises: this is who... Read More
We are the beneficiaries of the promise God made to... Read More
Do you have a servant's heart? Has God blessed you... Read More
When God first unveils a business or ministry vision that... Read More
The Key to True Love...Do you long for love?Most of... Read More
Michael Shermer speaks with the energy and passion of an... Read More
Healing is a special gift that any human being can... Read More
What's a cosmic 2 x 4 you ask? It's actually... Read More
Many people are awakening today to the idea that the... Read More
Each time our children graduate from one stage to another... Read More
As you grow in wisdom, you will release, more and... Read More
You have everything you need: a miraculous body, a phenomenal... Read More
Sometimes showing up for life can seem like a major... Read More
Our Creator is an infinitely loving and generous provider -... Read More
Walls as a blockade seem to be an integral part... Read More
Five verses specify that we are to live by faith.... Read More
"Who being in the very nature God, did not consider... Read More
We've all heard the saying, "You have to forgive, but... Read More
I am going to remind of some simple, yet important... Read More
Spirituality |