This morning I picked up my Bible off of the side table in the living room. I had left it yesterday, opened to the first chapter of Galatians, in which I had re-read a bit of chapter 1 and was reflecting on verse 1:10.
For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ.
Galatians 1:10 (KJV)
Upon reading this again on this beautiful fall morning, my mind turned immediately to the Amish. Let's be honest, I am sure that most of us have thought of the Amish as "backwards" or "too old-fashioned" or "weird." While I don't share this opinion (I'm sure when I was younger I thought they were a bit odd, though), it's very easy to fall into this mentality.You see, we live IN the world, and when we live IN the world, we can become so tainted and not even know it! I don't claim to be an expert of the Amish (or Mennonite) community, but I do know that they seem to adhere to not conforming to the pattern of this world (Romans 12:2).
What are WE doing as Christians to NOT conform to the pattern of this world? While I'm not suggesting you sell all you own and go live in an Amish community, I challenge you as Christian to re-examine your life, and to get into the Word daily. This goes especially for me!
As we get deeper into our relationship with the Lord, He will give us the answers. He will convict our hearts and show us the right way. We must take off the blinders (in the form of Facebook, TV, idleness--anything that takes too much time away from Him and doesn't let our mind rest-- for a while and rest in Him. I promise you...He does speak to your heart if you open up to Him and listen! And what a blessing that will be!
It's too easy to get trapped into doing what others are doing. And it may not even be really that bad in our eyes. Our friends may want to go do a particular activity, and we end up going...and it's something as simple as going to see a movie. Deep inside, it's a movie that isn't really that bad, but yet we feel uncomfortable. Have you ever felt that way? Don't give in! If you feel bad or wrong for participating, this could be God convicting your heart. Listen! Obey!
It's also very easy to let our children participate in events or things that their friends are doing, because we are guilted into it. But are we giving our children His best?
It's too easy to get trapped into doing what others are doing. And it may not even be really that bad in our eyes. Our friends may want to go do a particular activity, and we end up going...and it's something as simple as going to see a movie. Deep inside, it's a movie that isn't really that bad, but yet we feel uncomfortable. Have you ever felt that way? Don't give in! If you feel bad or wrong for participating, this could be God convicting your heart. Listen! Obey!
It's also very easy to let our children participate in events or things that their friends are doing, because we are guilted into it. But are we giving our children His best?
How about you? Do you find it hard to live in this world as a follower of Christ? Do you have any ideas on how to keep focused on Him and not on the things of this world? Do you please man or God?
You are Loved By Him,
2 comments:
I wouldn't say it is hard living in this world as a follower of Christ, but it does require diligence on our part! In fact, I think it would be harder to live in this world without having faith in Jesus Christ. Can you imagine trying to get through life all on your own wisdom, strength, merit, ability, etc?
I will be the first to admit that I lose my focus (daily!). I'm glad that God does not give up on me! And that the Holy Spirit living within me guides me and pricks my heart.
Keep fighting the good fight, Shannon!
Listen and obey. That pretty much sums up what our Heavenly Father requires. I think we make it harder than it really is. Sometimes in-the-moment we agree to activities that don't please God. I'm always sorry, and amazed that God forgives when I please man over Him. This is so good, Shannon, and a good reminder for me to take more care in what I agree to do.
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