14/10/07

Be not like this world

"And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind." Romans 12:2

As believers in the true God, we are not to copy the behavior, vain fashions, pleasures and pattern of this world or take on the habits, styles and mannerisms of a people who know not the true God. Instead, we are to reject them and be different keeping with God's Word.

The Scriptures warn us that the whole world lies in wickedness. (I John 5:19) Therefore, we are to keep ourselves "unspotted from the world." (James 1:27) Since we have escaped the "corruption that is in the world through lust," (II Peter 1:4) we are not to fashion ourselves according to the former lusts. (I Peter 1:14)

Let us be on guard against anything that would occupy first place in our hearts before God, and give God the supreme place in our affections. Our love for other things must always be subordinate to our love for Him. This world is full of idol worshipers and includes us, so called Christians. I John 5:21 says "Keep yourselves from idols."

What is an idol? It is anything that alienates our minds and hearts from the Lord. It is anything that prevents us from seeking and finding our all in God. It may be a statue or pictures of a god, or that of any human. It can also be pleasure, wealth, fame, a new house, education, titles or friendships. Some may even put an anointed man or woman of God, people with spiritual gifts, ahead of God; they become their idol. Let us not be like the people of this world; idol worshippers. If we take heed to these warnings, we will receive many Blessings. If we disobey, the wrath of God will be on our lives. The choice is ours! A Blessing or a Curse - which will it be?


[ Prayer for the Day ]

Dear Lord, help me open my eyes and see the truth, which exist in your Word. Help me study and understand your Word. By the understanding of your Word may I be different to the world, that they may see You in me. May I worship you in spirit and truth. This I ask in the mighty Name of Jesus Christ my Lord. Amen.


[ Reference Scriptures ]

I John 5:19
19 And we know that we are of God, and the whole world lieth in wickedness.

James 1:26,27
26 If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man's religion is vain.
27 Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.

II Peter 1:3,4
3 According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:
4 Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.

I Peter 1:14-16
14 As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance:
15 But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation;
16 Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.

I John 5:20,21
20 And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know him that is true, and we are in him that is true, even in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life.
21 Little children, keep yourselves from idols. Amen.


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