Don't . . .

By Amanda T. (read her blog at withajoyfulnoise.blogspot.com)

Compromise:

(from Webster’s New World Dictionary)

       ~an adjustment of opposing principles, systems, etc. in which part of each is given up

       ~to surrender or give up

Choices surround us daily. Darts are thrown at us, tempting us. Will we compromise? Will we swerve from our convictions? Will we surrender to the world? Or will we stand firm where God has placed us?

Image from reusableart.com

Compromise does not happen suddenly, but gradually by small, daily choices. Choices such as:

“My parents used to say we couldn’t watch this, but I’m probably old enough now.”

Don’t!

“This is a special occasion. I don’t dress like this on a regular basis.”

Don’t!

“Maybe this dress is a tad bit too short . . .”

Don’t!

“Oops! This book has a curse word. Oh well, I’m already half-way through.”

Don’t!

“Just once won’t hurt.”

Don’t!

“What would my friends think if I don’t join them?”

Don’t!

“I just couldn’t tell them ‘no.’”

Don’t!

“I don’t feel very comfortable doing this, but that’s just my personality.”

Don’t!

When we are tempted to make a compromise, our choices lead us to do one of two things: be conformed to the image of the world, or be transformed to the image of Christ (Romans 12:2, And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.).

As a young girl: stick to the convictions and standards set by your parents. Do not sway from them – even if “everybody else does it this way.” Honor their obedience to God. (see Ephesians 5:1-3)

As a young woman: stick to the convictions and standards that God has placed in your life. Do not second-guess yourself because of what others are doing, but return to God’s Word to see what He says about each issue. (see 1 Corinthians 7:34a)

As a married woman: stick to the convictions and standards that God has led your husband to take. Do not try to persuade him to change, but encourage him to follow what God would have him to do. (see 1 Corinthians 7:34b)

Girls and ladies, let us not be conformed to this world by following the patterns of those around us, but be transformed to our Lord, renewing our minds daily by the Word of God.

A Bright Light in the Darkness

By Bethany Davies (read her blog here)

Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

Matthew 5:16

As Christians, God has called us to be lights in this very dark, sinful world.  We are like the moon—reflecting the light of the Son to those looking on.  We may not always let our light shine as brightly as it should.  Sometimes our “glass” gets dirtied by sin, and the only way for that to be cleansed is by asking the Lord to forgive us and He will clean our “glass” for us.  The cleaner the glass, the brighter the light shines.

Light comes in many different containers and holders.  Some are big and regal, some are small and not very noticeable, and many vary between the two.  Likewise, God has made each one of us different.  Each Christian’s job is different, but the light inside it is the same—the unchangeable Christ.

Image from ReusableArt.com

Those of us who are small, not very noticeable light-holders might think that we’re of no use to God.  We might start wishing that we were big and regal and had something important and noticeable to do, but God needs small, not very noticeable Christians as well as the big, important ones!

The only important job that every light is asked to do is just simply to shine.  We need to shine wherever we are–at home, at school, at work.  Whether we’re shopping, or whether we’re playing, we can still have a Christ-like attitude in all we do, and that is what God requires of us to do.  True, there are some who are called to be missionaries in foreign countries, or preachers, or church musicians, or some other praiseworthy task, but God also desires those who are willing to serve in the background.  We might not be missionaries, but we can still pray fervently for those who are!  We might not be a preachers, but pray for those who are!  If we’re not in a notable spot, we should pray for those who are, that they might remain faithful.

Shining and praying are what every Christian is called to do, with every part of their being!  “Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.” (1 Corinthians 10:31; emphasis added)

So, I encourage you dear sisters and fellow-lights, don’t let anything dirty up your glass.  Keep shining in every part of your life—it speaks more than words ever could—and keep praying.  God will bless you for shining, even though it might not seem much.  We will never know how many people have been impacted by our shining until we get to eternity, and I assure you, it will be worth it!  So shine with all your might!

Patterns

By Ana Renee

My life is like a pattern,

That other people see;

And long before I know it,

They’ll follow it with glee.

If I laugh at something funny,

Then they’ll laugh at it too;

If I spread tales of others,

They’ll quickly spread it too.

If my styles change with each season,

Theirs will change as well;

The things I do shape others,

As only time will tell.

If I am not too careful,

My followers will become

Something that is not the best,

Something troublesome.

God gave me a big task to do

In every day I live.

Will it be what He wants to see?

To Him the glory give?

Lord, help me as I live my life,

Which others often see;

And if they follow, let it be,

A life that follows Thee.