"We live in this world but we aren't of this world"
When you hear that, what does it make you think?
The world is a scary place. As Christians it can sometimes be a little daunting. BUT, I honestly think it’s OK to be uncomfortable in this life. We aren't here for ourselves and to fulfil our earthly desires. Christ tells us that we are not of this world, meaning we should not be doing or following the examples of worldliness we see around us. Instead we must work hard to be a light in the darkness and a lily among thorns. We mustn't be afraid to stand out for Jesus.
In today’s culture we constantly face the pressures of everyday life. The books, movies, music, ads, influences around us from school, sport, even our family, will constantly be there and affect us. I really do believe, however, that it is up to us to decide in which way we let them affect us. Whether they will make us 'of the world,' or whether we will be 'not of this world.'
Romans 8:5-6 tells us ‘For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the spirit, the things of the spirit.’ Romans also says that ‘Those who are in the flesh cannot please God’ (Romans 8:8). There’s many more verses like these that are telling us that as Christians we can’t be like the world around us, people who only want to please themselves who are living for their flesh. Instead we must live according to the Spirit in us with God’s help. This is difficult, but absolutely essential to living in God’s will and not straying. We are here to be Christ's servants. I’d like to share a couple of the things I think are essential to not be living 'of the world' but rather standing out for Christ.
1. Movies/books/music
It’s incredible how what we read, watch and listen to can affect us so greatly. I really believe this is a chance to either be followers of the world’s standards or stand out for Christ. It says in the Bible that our flesh will want one thing and our spirit another (Galatians 5:17). It really is a great battle, one we cannot think of lightly. And we must do everything we can to feed our spirit not our flesh. When we watch movies with sexual references, violence, swearing etc. that is feeding our flesh and will not help us in our walk with God and our spiritual battle. We need to take this seriously and not be surprised if our attitudes aren't right after watching/reading/listening to things like this. It’s like jumping in mud and being surprised and annoyed that we are getting dirty. Movies and music often put lies into your head and make things that aren't OK according to God seem harmless. They can often make you aware of things you shouldn't be yet or simply make you more prone to a selfish attitude like you've just seen on TV. However if we read God’s word, listen to music that builds us up and watch movies with good morals we can be so encouraged and inspired. We really need to be careful with living in this world but not being part of it. Otherwise how can we expect to be different to the world around us like Jesus was?
2. Relationships
This is a big one, whether it’s with family, friends, or boyfriends. Personally, I believe you shouldn't be dating until you are at an age where you can get married. I have failed in this area but hope to try again and use the things I've learned in the process for good. But that’s a different story. :) Leslie Ludy says in her amazing book 'Authentic Beauty', "It is so important to realize that the reason for making practical changes in our life is not because a certain activity, relationship, or pursuit is necessarily wrong, but because it is hindering us from building our life around intimacy with Jesus Christ.’ This is so important. As a Christian we all need to be careful about how our friends and relationships (even when you old enough to date) influence you. You need to ask yourself, "does this person help point me towards God?" Of course it’s good to minister to non-Christians but even then you have to make sure that your influence on them is stronger than theirs on you. And if it’s not you need to step back to protect your relationship with God. It’s really good to have a balance of friends in your life but most importantly to have Jesus as your best friend and always be seeking His will.
There’s heaps of other areas where we can either chose to be the world’s followers or God’s followers such as in the way we dress (I'm sure Cassie has done some fabulous posts on modesty), the way we speak, what we do when things go wrong, our attitude in general and so many more. As Christian young women it is our duty to be living as lilies among thorns not being "conformed to this world, but being transformed by the renewing of our minds, that we may prove what is good and acceptable and perfect will of God" (Romans 12:2).
We need to choose the rocky path rather than the easy one. God says that if a tree does not bear good fruit it will be cut down and thrown into fire (Matthew 3:10)…we need to take our faith seriously! We have a job to do here on earth. And if we don’t start ‘not fitting in’ we can only expect to reap the consequences. I challenge you to start taking the choices you face each day seriously and asking yourself what you can do to stand out for Christ on a daily basis.
Love,
Bri
