I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. Romans 12:1-2 (NKJV)
Have you ever watched yourself on a recorded video and thought to yourself, "I can't believe I did this, or said that..." I know I have, and it has caused me to think about how I conduct myself, and more importantly, how others are seeing me. I find it interesting how we can look at others along with their actions and clearly see where they are making mistakes, but have somewhat of an obstructed view of our own.
I believe there are people who make it a purpose not to look to closely at themselves. I believe it's because they probably don't want to see or acknowledge something they're doing - something they know to be wrong. They would even be quick to point to others who are doing the same thing because it helps them to justify their actions, and to sear their consciences. Some will even desire to associate closely with those who are in willful disobedience so they can blend in.
It's when people attempt to camouflage themselves - disguising themselves to look like something other than what they really are. Snipers and sharpshooters will attach vegetation and other objects to themselves just to look just like the terrain they're in an effort to conceal their whereabouts and to blend in with the surroundings. And people do it to conceal their true identity in the same manor.
There are some who are Christians, who have made a profession of faith in Christ, but they choose not to be obedient to His Word - they would rather follow their feelings and fleshly desires. They will go to church and participate in services - praying, singing, and saying amen. But they will then go and openly participate in various sinful activities.
I find when we are confronted with our sin; we can choose to do one of three things.
1. We can either confess our sins and repent and be forgiven (i.e. David's confession; 2Sam. 12:13).
2. We can attempt to deny it and cover it up much like Adam and Eve did in the Garden of Eden (See Gen 3:7).
3. Or we can openly rebuke the ones holding us accountable along with their Godly counsel, and choose to embrace the ones who are enabling us, or participating with us in our disobedience.
It is very dangerous when we reject the accountability the Lord has brought into our life, as this is His way to gently guide us back on course. If rejected this sinful way of living will become a stronghold in our life, and we may find ourselves in bondage to the enemy again and even openly embracing it. Additionally, we will find ourselves associating with others who take the same pleasure in doing these sinful things. I think it is sort of a camouflage mechanism where one attempts to blend in.
Romans 12:2 tells us we're not to be conformed to this world. And Jesus speaks of how we should be different from the world as well in these following verses.
"You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men. "You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Matthew 5:13-14 (NKJV)
I like to say it this way, "We are either transforming others by our lifestyle, or they are transforming us..." "We are either transforming the world, or it is transforming us..." It is either one or the other.
I want to encourage you to ask these questions of yourself, and to answer them based on the Scripture contained within this devotional.
Q: Am I being conformed to this world, or am I being transformed to be more like Christ?
Q: Am I wearing camouflage to blend in with those who are not walking with Christ?
Q: Can others see I have a relationship with Him, even without my saying a word?
The enemy is very cunning and deceiving. He will entice us to participate in things non-believers do - things of the world. Every compromising action we participate in is another piece of camouflage. If we don't start doing what God asks of us, we will blend right in. Hey Christian, I want to encourage you to continue to seek the Lord each and every day - don't be conformed to this world.
STUDY QUESTION: What can we learn with respect to how we should be blending with the World according to the Scriptures contained within this devotional?
PERSONAL INVENTORY: Are you blending in the darkness or are you standing out like a bright light?
APPLICATION: Seek to associate with other strong Christians. Focus your thoughts and mind upon the Lord and read your bible.
Have you ever watched yourself on a recorded video and thought to yourself, "I can't believe I did this, or said that..." I know I have, and it has caused me to think about how I conduct myself, and more importantly, how others are seeing me. I find it interesting how we can look at others along with their actions and clearly see where they are making mistakes, but have somewhat of an obstructed view of our own.
I believe there are people who make it a purpose not to look to closely at themselves. I believe it's because they probably don't want to see or acknowledge something they're doing - something they know to be wrong. They would even be quick to point to others who are doing the same thing because it helps them to justify their actions, and to sear their consciences. Some will even desire to associate closely with those who are in willful disobedience so they can blend in.
It's when people attempt to camouflage themselves - disguising themselves to look like something other than what they really are. Snipers and sharpshooters will attach vegetation and other objects to themselves just to look just like the terrain they're in an effort to conceal their whereabouts and to blend in with the surroundings. And people do it to conceal their true identity in the same manor.
There are some who are Christians, who have made a profession of faith in Christ, but they choose not to be obedient to His Word - they would rather follow their feelings and fleshly desires. They will go to church and participate in services - praying, singing, and saying amen. But they will then go and openly participate in various sinful activities.
I find when we are confronted with our sin; we can choose to do one of three things.
1. We can either confess our sins and repent and be forgiven (i.e. David's confession; 2Sam. 12:13).
2. We can attempt to deny it and cover it up much like Adam and Eve did in the Garden of Eden (See Gen 3:7).
3. Or we can openly rebuke the ones holding us accountable along with their Godly counsel, and choose to embrace the ones who are enabling us, or participating with us in our disobedience.
It is very dangerous when we reject the accountability the Lord has brought into our life, as this is His way to gently guide us back on course. If rejected this sinful way of living will become a stronghold in our life, and we may find ourselves in bondage to the enemy again and even openly embracing it. Additionally, we will find ourselves associating with others who take the same pleasure in doing these sinful things. I think it is sort of a camouflage mechanism where one attempts to blend in.
Romans 12:2 tells us we're not to be conformed to this world. And Jesus speaks of how we should be different from the world as well in these following verses.
"You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men. "You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Matthew 5:13-14 (NKJV)
I like to say it this way, "We are either transforming others by our lifestyle, or they are transforming us..." "We are either transforming the world, or it is transforming us..." It is either one or the other.
I want to encourage you to ask these questions of yourself, and to answer them based on the Scripture contained within this devotional.
Q: Am I being conformed to this world, or am I being transformed to be more like Christ?
Q: Am I wearing camouflage to blend in with those who are not walking with Christ?
Q: Can others see I have a relationship with Him, even without my saying a word?
The enemy is very cunning and deceiving. He will entice us to participate in things non-believers do - things of the world. Every compromising action we participate in is another piece of camouflage. If we don't start doing what God asks of us, we will blend right in. Hey Christian, I want to encourage you to continue to seek the Lord each and every day - don't be conformed to this world.
STUDY QUESTION: What can we learn with respect to how we should be blending with the World according to the Scriptures contained within this devotional?
PERSONAL INVENTORY: Are you blending in the darkness or are you standing out like a bright light?
APPLICATION: Seek to associate with other strong Christians. Focus your thoughts and mind upon the Lord and read your bible.
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