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
licensed cleaning services Park Ridge ..Charity isn't the easiest virtue to master. And with St.... Read More
God !"My son will be brought up in a place... Read More
It's amazing how - even when we're working from a... Read More
In the year 2000, I went on a mission trip... Read More
1. Gabriel means: "God is my strength" or "God is... Read More
I said something last week I haven't said in years.... Read More
I have been thinking a lot about the spiritual growth... Read More
Several years ago after I presented a workshop entitled "Spirituality... Read More
If you would like to learn to read tarot cards,... Read More
Some people go to physics and spiritual readers for advice... Read More
We know that David did much to stabilize the Kingdom... Read More
In Corrogue I feel wonderful.As friends know I love singing.... Read More
Whenever, we have a task or project to carry out... Read More
1. The name Uriel means "Light of God" or "Flame... Read More
At the start of your dream journey, one of the... Read More
Is your hope in God? Or, is it in people?I... Read More
The tongue is such a tiny little organ. Yet, it... Read More
After 6 years, I left an abusive relationship with an... Read More
Qohelet had grown old with time when he delivered his... Read More
Being a Christian does not exempt us from having to... Read More
A feeling of fulfillment is something we all seek. Here... Read More
There is so much going on in the world around... Read More
Last month, one of my readers needed a new car.... Read More
I have sent out hundreds of press releases for my... Read More
Iktomi:Another and somewhat longer term correspondent of mine is a... Read More
on demand house cleaning Arlington Heights ..How a Divine "Dream", gave me a Spiritual Principle for... Read More
Most of us know that the universe - God's universe... Read More
Jesus said, "No one can see the Kingdom of Heaven... Read More
Taco Bell, the Mexican fast-food franchise, has a new ad... Read More
Then Esther told them to reply to Mordecai, "Go, assemble... Read More
It happens to us all from time to time, especially... Read More
An Illuminatus Speaks:You will have to decide if this Illuminatus... Read More
In this article, I would like deal with one specific... Read More
For we do not have a high priest who is... Read More
What is the opportunity here? What is the benefit of... Read More
You are a spiritual being. You recognize something in you... Read More
As the artist and designer for Ashbach Designs, I want... Read More
Make no mistake about it, change is challenging whether it... Read More
Some may ask, is there any truth to have a... Read More
Don't be confused that a saint is a religious leader... Read More
Liam says to Joe; "where is your God now, when... Read More
Who Are you?Have you ever asked yourself the question 'Who... Read More
While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. --ROMANS... Read More
For many years of my life, I thought the spiritual... Read More
Adam had it right when he covered himself with fig... Read More
Matthew 22:37-39 Jesus said unto him, "Thou shalt love the... Read More
Action dakini gets everything done. When wanting and grasping hold... Read More
To find out how psychic you are, try answering the... Read More
Ecclesiasts 5:18 Then I realized that it is good and... Read More
Matthew 3:4-6 John Baptizes the People4 Now John wore a... Read More
Spirituality |