S. 1 Peter 1:13
"So think clearly and exercise self control. Look forward to the gracious salvation that will come to you when Jesus Christ is revealed to the world."
Observation:
As we wait for Jesus' return, we are instructed to think clearly and exercise self control. God wants us to show the world His power through our changed lives. There are many temptations in this life but we are taught and encouraged to show ourselves "separated" unto a life that is pleasing to God.
Pastor Chris Hodges (Church of the Highlands) says "If you want to make a difference, you need to be different." We are not simply to acquiesce to the culture; rather, I believe we are to be counter cultural.. that is take a stand at times .. dare to be different, and not give in to the desire to just go with the flow or worse... allow ourselves to be like everyone else.. This is what I believe Paul means by being "transformational" in Romans 12:2 Message "Don’t become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God. You’ll be changed from the inside out. Readily recognize what he wants from you, and quickly respond to it. Unlike the culture around you, always dragging you down to its level of immaturity, God brings the best out of you, develops well-formed maturity in you."
Application:
I often feel the temptation to let my life "slide" rather than showing or conducting myself differently. I know that I'm not the only one who at times feels this way. This is why God has given us His written word - to instruct us, to encourage us and then to trust the Holy Spirit to empower us.
Prayer:
Thank you Father for your word today. It is so relevant and powerful. I pray that you will strengthen me and all who read this when we are weakened from temptation and that we will not slide or give in. Holy Spirit full us and illumine me in being a light and witness to others in market place of life. In Jesus' name!
