Our world can be a challenging place to live. We are surrounded by so many things that entice us. There are always new cars, new brands of clothes, new computers, new televisions. We see these things, and the desire is put in us so that we want them.
On top of this, we are challenged by others to believe a certain way and act a certain way. The company we keep will determine who we are, what we believe, and how we act. But in the Bible we are challenged to not let others create who we will be. The apostle Paul tells us in Romans 12:1-2, "1Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship. 2Do 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."
The problem is that we think our life belongs to us. And because of this, we think we can think any way and act any way. But if you believe in Jesus Christ as your Savior, and your Lord, then you are under the authority of Christ. In another part of the Bible, 1 Corinthians 6:19-20, Paul says, "19Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; 20you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body." If we want to live like a Christian, we need to live in a way that pleases God, not people. We need to seek things of God, not of the world. We need to not allow ourselves to be conformed by the world's way of thinking. We need to love, even when it is hard to love. We need to forgive, because Christ forgives us. We need to not be materialistic, but seek to give away. And on and on it goes.
So I ask you: Where do you need to stop conforming? How do you need to change your attitude and behavior? How can you let Jesus be your Lord, instead of you trying to run your own life? Why is this so difficult for people to do?
I'd love to hear your thoughts on the matter. If you'd like to share, click on the "comments" button below.
