“…your former friends will be very surprised when you don’t eagerly join them anymore in the wicked things they do, and they will laugh at you in contempt and scorn.” ~ I Peter 4:4 (TLB)
REFERENCE:
A gospel singer once sang, “Living in a modern world is not an easy thing to do; imagination rules the heart.” The world exerts much pressure to compromise on today’s Christian. The change in the world’s social make-up is happening at the speed of light; things that were once taboos are now widely accepted, and trying to oppose them will earn you the world’s frown.
You will be a victim of satan’s subtle pull to bow at the altar of sinful pleasure and popularity if you remain ignorant of your identity as a believer. “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things are passed away, all things have become new.” Be comfortable with your life in Christ, knowing that there are things you cannot be a part of or indulge in.
Friends, colleagues, or classmates may pressure you to act in ways the world considers OK, even though they are against your Christian conviction. Remember that that is not who you are, and say no! They will say, “It’s OK to cheat in an exam. There is nothing wrong with sex outside marriage. Change figures on the document to make more money. It is not cool not to be part of the cult group on campus. Falsify details on your resume. Let’s go for a binge party.” That is not who you are! It is one thing to refuse to let people change your character, but it is even better to refuse to do what they consider fun but which displeases God.
Do not think that if you choose to live against the world, you will enjoy accolades and social media ‘likes.’ Our text says, ‘your former friends will be surprised…and they will laugh at you in contempt and scorn.’ Can you stand feeling left out of the clique, not measuring up in the number or quality of acquisitions, and being told you are a prude for your moral standard? Do not lose your right-standing before God or soil your testimony because of some temporal pleasure or approval of men. God will hold them accountable for their godless lifestyle and immorality when He comes to judge the world. What will it profit you to gain the world and lose your soul?
Redouble your commitment to stand up for God. You are the image of Christ that many see on earth, the only bible they may ever read. Ask yourself, “If people were to follow my life, would they end up in Christ (or in heaven)?” Do not succumb to the pressure, taunting, and temptation to live a sinful, immoral, and undisciplined life. God created you for more. That is not who you are.
PHOTO QUOTE
ADDITIONAL TEXTS:
Romans 12:2 (ERV), Exodus 23:2, & Psalm 1:1-2
PRAYERS:
+ I am the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus and refuse to let the world system squeeze me into its ways of doing things.
+ I have the courage of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, and will not bow to sin, immorality, lust, love of money, idolatry, and all that represents the world’s system.
+ I receive grace to grow in my knowledge of You and to become more like You, O Lord.
Grace to stand for You, Lord.
Sometimes, to stand out.
At other times, to be outstanding.
And most of the time, if need be, to STAND ALONE!
#StandUpForJesus
Amen 🙏🏽
My testimony will be like Moses’ whom scriptures spoke of as “Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season; Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: ”
Wow! Great scripture, Sam 👌
Grace to stand for you Lord Jesus! Desiring your praises more than the praises of men, that all I do will be unto you and you alone. Thank you Jesus
Yes! Way to go!
Blessings!
Lord, renew my mind daily so I can be more like you and less of me in Jesus name
Amen. A prayer indeed.
This one life I have to live, it must bring you glory, LORD. I won’t walk with the wicked, I won’t share the sinners’ way or sit with mockers of God and His Kingdom. My delight is to do your will even if it doesn’t look “cool” to the world.🙌
Yes! Even if it doesn’t look cool. May you always get heaven’s applause, in Jesus’ name.