By Erika T.
{continued from last week}
So, how can we abandon the fleshly desires and live
according to the will of God? Romans 12:2 says “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.” The verse could not be clearer: before we can live according to God’s
will, we need to stop conforming to and “fitting in” this world. The first step
is to no longer be like those who belong in this world. I have noticed that when
I watch movies and television programs or if I listen to secular songs,
something changes in my mind. Even if I am careful to only watch or listen to
“clean” things (even with no open or insinuated sin) there is a mentality, a
worldly point of view that begins to infiltrate my way of thinking. Before I
know it, I suddenly know who the stars of the moment are, what a double entendre
refers to, why parodies of the latest movie are funny . . . and I cannot
remember last week’s memory verse. I do not know how it happens, but I start to
believe certain sins are not so bad. Adultery becomes normal and a half-lie,
justifiable. My world, once so white, begins to take on a gray tone so light I
barely notice it. But gray tones blur the lines between white and black. Watch
out! Conformity to this world comes slowly, subtle and silent, but it’s fatal
to Christian life.
The verse also gives a contrast: “…be ye transformed”.
This is not just about being different from the world; we need to change our
thinking to God’s way and know what His will is. It is a turnaround in our
mentality: leaving the world’s knowledge and being molded to have God’s
thoughts, to know what His perfect and acceptable will is. How can I think like
God if I am soaking in things that have nothing to do with Him? To change our
way of thinking, we must surround ourselves only with things related to Him,
which takes us to the next verse.
Philippians
4:8, “Finally,
brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever
things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely,
whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, if there be any
praise, think on these things.” How does my life
measure up? Is the content of that movie true, honest, just, pure, lovely, of
good report (that means, having a good reputation), does it have any virtue
(anything just plain good), is it worthy of praise? Are the songs I listen to
true, just and pure? Could I describe my conversations with others as good? How
about honest? Is my favorite topic of conversation worthy of praise? Will my
activities give me a good reputation? Or are they the same as any unbeliever’s
might be? If I focus on thinking only what this verse approves, I will probably
feel limited. However, as I surround myself with things that please God and my
mind is transformed, my thinking will be shaped to be more like His. Suddenly,
knowing what the good and acceptable and perfect will of God is will not be so
difficult.
We know God wills us to be holy. This is not only a command,
as in 1 Peter 1:16, it is also a call. In 1
Corinthians 1:2 the apostle speaks to “…them
that are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all that in
every place call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord,” In giving us both
these verses, God makes it very clear that being holy is not simply our
position, it is something to be practiced. We should live like the saints we
are.
The purpose of our Christian life can be summarized in
1 Corinthians 10:31. “Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or
whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.” The verse clearly gives us a
basic guideline for everything we do during the day. Will my plans for this
afternoon glorify God? How will God be glorified if I go there? If I dress like this or talk like that, will I be glorifying to God? Eating and drinking are basic,
everyday activities; this verse teaches us that even the most common things in
life can glorify God. The question is: do I use my time to glorify Him or to
satisfy the desires of my flesh?
As you probably know, holiness is separation. A verse
that states it simply is Hebrews 13:13.
“Let us go forth therefore unto him
without the camp, bearing his reproach.” Being holy means abandoning the
world with its humor, its entertainment, its worldview and its politics. Holiness
is not simply separation from the world, however. It is also going out unto Him. If we abandon worldly ideas
and activities, it is to take up the ideas and activities of the Lord. We will
not just leave the world’s songs, dress, movies, politics and jokes. We will
have Christ! Of course, He will give us many things to replace the false joys
we lost, but best of all, we will know Him more, we will worship Him more, and
we will love Him more.
The following verses express how far we are from the
goal, but encourage us not to give up in the battle for holiness. Philippians 3:12-14, “Not as though I had already attained,
either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that
for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus. Brethren, I count not myself
to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are
behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward
the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” No
Christian is perfect. Saying, “I’m not perfect. I’m not spiritual.” appears to
be an easy way out; however the apostle clearly informs us that acknowledging this
is not reason enough to surrender. We have not yet reached the goal, but
“Holiness unto the Lord” is exactly why we were apprehended (seized) by the
Him! Each day we can learn more and
come closer to the goal for which our Lord Jesus Christ saved us.
About Erika:
I'm Erika Simone, a missionary kid who loves to sing, read
and write. I've lived in Mexico
