Most Beloved King, it is quite human to try and fit in and adapt to one’s environment. However, followers of Yours are new creations, who have been given a new set of values and a new way of living. The new way will naturally clash with the world and confront its morals. Each day I find myself faced with selfishness, cruelty, and every conceivable form of sin. There is constant pressure to adapt and conform to the ways of the world. I know that You have set me free but I’m not real sure how to walk in that freedom. I suppose that my first step is to confront my sin or the devil’s enticements head on. I must turn to those who have experience in their walk for counsel and guidance. I must search Your Word, as though it was a map, to show me the way to a successful and triumphant life. And I must pray without ceasing for the Holy Spirit to teach me the things I need to know in order to master sin.
The most effective way to deal with temptation and adversity is by growing in my faith. I must seek Your courage to walk by faith … like Peter did when he stepped out of the boat to come to You … and not take my eyes off of You. I must learn to discern the important from the inconsequential … truth from a lie … uprightness from poor conduct. The world and the Evil One will put out smoke screens and deceptive signs to lead me away from righteous living. To be a light to the world, I cannot walk around in a cloud of confusion. I must be watchful for the ways of the world which are intended to draw me into accepting its values and life-styles. To become a true witness, I must live a Christ-centered, blameless, loving life that makes a difference for You. You called me out of darkness into Your light, so my life should radiate it.
In order to move forward, I must face my weaknesses and flaws and cooperate with the Holy Spirit in cleansing myself of those things that displease You. I must be willing to dig in and face what drives me away from Your desires, uncover the underlying issues that create the occasions of sin and lay them at Your feet to help me in overcoming them. I must rely on the Holy Spirit to highlight the Biblical principles that will guide my actions. Once I’ve mastered the evil that harasses me, I can become a teacher of those who suffer as I did. As a Christian, I must never compromise with sinful ideas and practices. I should not strive to blend in with the world … rather I should strive to have the world blend in with me. I must live up to Your high calling and become a standard bearer for You. And it’s in Jesus’ name I pray. AMEN!!
James 4:4 Anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God.