Do we live our life in black and white or in shades of gray? Remember "WWJD?" That phrase became a little overused...to the point that it didn't hold much meaning... yet it does hold so much truth. We should seriously ask ourselves if Jesus would do what we choose to do. Would he go where we choose to go? Would he say what we choose to say? Once we say YES to following him, we should be making those conscious efforts to do what He would do. We will never be perfect...we will make mistakes, but He is quick to forgive. Take a look at this portion of scripture:
Paul writes in 1 Thessalonians... 4For we know, brothers loved by God, that he has chosen you, 5because our gospel came to you not simply with words, but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and with deep conviction. You know how we lived among you for your sake. 6You became imitators of us and of the Lord; in spite of severe suffering, you welcomed the message with the joy given by the Holy Spirit. 7And so you became a model to all the believers in Macedonia and Achaia. 8The Lord's message rang out from you not only in Macedonia and Achaia—your faith in God has become known everywhere. Therefore we do not need to say anything about it, 9for they themselves report what kind of reception you gave us. They tell how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God, 10and to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead—Jesus, who rescues us from the coming wrath.
Jesus came to show us how to live a life set apart from the world. As Christians we are not citizens of this world and we are not to conform to it, yet so many do and that saddens me so much. We are citizens of heaven, yet how well do we represent that? Look at vs.7... the Thessalonians became a model...and their faith in God became known everywhere! Wow. They turned from their idols to serve the Living God and they became known for it.
To me, it has become very black and white...there is no gray area when it comes to following Jesus. We are to be set apart from the world...we are not to look like this world! If we look like the world, how will they know our Jesus? How will our witness stand if we compromise?!..............
So.... do you find yourself compromising? If so, in what areas?... Inappropriate movies? Inappropriate clothing? Inappropriate music? Inappropriate games? Partying and drinking? The words you speak? The places you go? The things you look at? Gossip? Wrong attitudes? The list goes on.
I am not perfect. I make mistakes. But, I do not want to conform to the patterns of this world. I so much want to live a life that exemplifies My Jesus, who died for me...who lives for me! I so much want to please him. This is why I ask Him each day to fill me with His Holy Spirit... so I will have the strength to stand for Him and live a life set apart and that I not be deceived by the world. And I have such a passion to see other believers live this way as well.
The Bible says... "Do not conform any longer 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
It also says... "As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance." -1 Peter 1:14
Think about it.
I pray that you will join me on this journey to live in Black & White. Deny yourself and follow Jesus. He is so worth it!
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