The world is a crazy place. It is filled with many, many things that do not look like Christ. The world, as it stands now, is a pretty dark place full of sin and sinful actions. While we live in this world physically, we are called to not be like the world. All at once we are a part of the world while being apart from the world. God, through His message written by the many authors of the Bible and through the life and words of Jesus, has called us as Christians to be different, to live in ways that do not mimic the world. In Romans 12:2 Paul writes “don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world.” The writer of Proverbs writes, “my son, do not walk in the way with them, hold back your foot from their paths” (Proverbs 1:15). It can be very tempting to follow what everyone else is doing. At times it may even seem more appealing. However, we must walk the path Jesus set before us for that is the way that leads to eternal life with the Father. Now what does that look like is the million dollar question. How do we live the life that looks and is different from the rest of the world. As you consider this question on your own or as a family I recommend you look at and study the following passages (as well as any other you may think of):
Romans 12 How have you been following the world and what might you need to change?
Colossians 3:1-17 What things in your life must you put off and what, in Christ, must be put on?
Galatians 5:22-23 In what ways can you put the fruits of the Spirit into practice?
1 Corinthians 10:31 How can you do everything for the glory of God?
1 Corinthians 13:4-8 How can you better love?
1 Peter 4:10-11 What gifts has God given you and how can you use them in service for the kingdom and not world?
Deuteronomy 7:6 What does it mean to be chosen by God and what does that require of us?
Find each and every opportunity to live the life God has asked of us. Show the world where your citizenship truly resides. Let your life be a living testimony for God that the whole world can see.