2. Don’t allow the WORLD
around you to squeeze you into its own mold.
What mask will you wear
today? or tomorrow?; or even next week? The ability to stay true
to yourself and to be the man or woman God intended YOU to be takes tremendous
courage, resolve, and convictions. We have all been confronted with the myriad
of schedules, meetings and relationships and the ensuing chaos that follows. It can be a lot easier to blend in and just be
like everyone else. Ask yourself some
simple questions: Is it easier to be patient or impatient? Is it easier to
remain calm during the storms, or panic and loose the self-control? Is it
easier to fly off the handle at a spouse, friend, co-worker, or a child than it
is to control your temper?
"Do
not conform 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.” Romans 12:2
We aren’t meant to look like the world,
act like the world, and or talk like the world. Rather, we should be
transformed by renewing our minds with God’s Word. II Corinthians says that in
Christ we are a new creation. The old is gone the new has come (II Corinthians
5:17). We still look the same on the outside, but God said we are new
creations, completely different and changed on the inside.
Imagine a caterpillar as he turns into a
butterfly – a transformation! The
butterfly doesn’t spend time at the same places that the caterpillar did; he
doesn’t eat the same things the caterpillar ate; and he doesn’t hang around the
same crowd that the caterpillar hung out with. In order to become that
butterfly he had to “back out” of his cocoon. He
backs out of some old lifestyles; He backs out of old sins; He abandons the old
life!
This is an incredible truth in scripture,
not because this change comes with anything we do, but because it comes by
knowing God and His word. We can experience change in life solely by renewing
our minds to the truth of God's word. As a man thinks in his heart so is he
(Proverbs 23:7). When what we think and know is God's word, then it will come
out in the way we live.
Did you know that no matter what you do to
impress someone or that effort you may exert to fit in with co-workers,
friends, or social groups-- at the expense of your belief system, core values,
or faith -- will still never be enough in the end. For people will always want
more from you and try their best to take advantage of you.
That is why your ability
to firmly fasten your life into a genuine relationship with Jesus is so vital. Back
to the butterfly example … after he comes out of the cocoon, his wings are wet
and useless … he starts to breathe… deeply…and the blood begins to flow
into the wings…and they become alive.
Jesus gave His blood for YOU so that
you might live – truly live. He takes you as you are.
