Strangers In This World

Christians all over the world will all be tempted in different ways. One problem we all will face is being tempted to conform to the world. Everyday we face the demands of jobs, raising children, and days with too much to do in too little time. Stress starts building up and it gets more difficult to make the right decisions. John 15:19 says 'If you belonged to the world, the world would treat you with affection and would love you as its own. But because you are not of the world (no longer one with it), but I have chosen (selected) you out of the world, the world hates (detests) you.'

There's an encouraging word in Proverbs 4:18 though: 'But the path of the (uncompromisingly) just and righteous is like the light of dawn, that shines more and more (brighter and clearer) until (it reaches its full strength and glory in) the perfect day (to be prepared). That makes me excited! Everything won't happen overnight, but slowly and steadily the light will become brighter. And if we focus on the Light everyday, living in this world will become easier.

Speaking of light ? one way to ensure that we know the way that we have to go is searching God's Word and storing it in our hearts. Psalm 119:105 'Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.' We have to meditate on heavenly things and not get distracted by the world.

So, everybody's working and pushing themselves to new limits. How should Christians be doing their jobs? The most important thing to remember is to keep your priorities straight. Acts 20:35 'In everything I have pointed out to you (by example) that, by working diligently in this manner, we ought to assist the weak, being mindful of the words of the Lord Jesus, how He Himself said, It is more blessed (makes one happier and more to be envied) to give than to receive.' We should spend more time being thankful for what we have than longing for what our friends have. 1 Tim.6:8 'But if we have food and clothing, with these we shall be content (satisfied). And some of us think that we'll only be content when we are rich. The Bible warns against riches though! Mark 10:24b ? 25 'But Jesus said to them again, Children, how hard is it for those who trust (place their confidence, their sense of safety) in riches to enter the kingdom of God! It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.'

So how do we remain strangers in this world? We have to be so sure of our goal everyday so that we may recognise clearly every temptation to not do the will of God. This will only happen if we spend time with God. I will not be able to do pleasant things with my children if I don't spend time with them finding out what they need. The same is true of God. Pleasing Him and doing His will should be the biggest desire of our hearts and the first thing on our minds when we wake up in the morning. Out of our relationship with Him the right behaviour will follow. And although some things will still be difficult to do, it will be rewarding to know that we are doing His will. Remember that God has a perfect plan for each of our lives. Even though sometimes we think that we have a better idea of what to do with our lives and dreams. We cannot commit our lives to Jesus without also allowing Him to take control of our dreams and future. That's where faith begins ? to walk step by step in the knowledge that, even when you can't see the end results, there will be God's results. And it will be to our benefit. He is God Almighty who wants the best for us and loves us ? why not trust Him?

Other Scriptural references:

1 Chronicles 29:15

Leviticus 25:23b

Psalm 119:19a

Hebrews 13:14

John 17:14-16

James 4:4

James 1:27

Galatians 1:10

Matthew 10:16

1 Timothy 4:12

All quoted scriptures are from the Amplified Bible.

Adele Laubscher is a mother of two and an active christian. She loves to share her experiences on a weekly basis with readers. She writes a christian newsletter called The Christian Walk. http://www.tradeology.com/christian.html

---

What Is The Universal Subconscious?

There are many different and interchangeable terms that are used... Read More

Spiritual Spring Cleaning, Making Room for More

Do you ever get into those moods where you just... Read More

Kundalini Symbology

While study and pursuit of the Kundalini is considered part... Read More

Unfinished Business (Part 2)

We know that David did much to stabilize the Kingdom... Read More

The Dark Side of Spirituality

On reading Susan Cato's Time Magazine Canada piece titled, "In... Read More

The Power of Namaste

I honestly am not sure why this hit me so... Read More

Your Artistic Talent as a Weapon

Your creative gift has power.God was the first and still... Read More

What Does Unconditional Love Really Mean?

Unconditional love means unconditional freedom. Love and freedom are two... Read More

Fishing Around For Wealth

In Feng Shui, water symbolizes wealth. The word "fish" in... Read More

Origin of Certain Thoughts (Part II)

Continued from "Origin of Certain Thoughts, Part I"If you haven't... Read More

Angel Connection ? How the Angelic Realm is Interacting with Humanity at this Historic Time

Angels, those divine beings of love and light, are here... Read More

Your Attitude Determines Your Future

Do you realize you are creating your future by the... Read More

God Can See Your Heart

Today is the day that I'm getting back into exercise.... Read More

Communion - The Key to Experiencing the Abundant Life of God

Now, we all know that we shouldn't be lead by... Read More

Willing to Walk with Jesus?

Can two walk together unless they have agreed to do... Read More

Catch A New Lover With DIY Magic!

One night, whilst watching TV, I understood a very useful... Read More

Why Keep a Journal

What purpose does keeping a journal serve?Do you write down... Read More

Making Our Self Real

"Self-Actualization" is the process of making our self "actual." Our... Read More

A People in Exile (Part 2)

Mother Nature has this uncanny tendency to turn upon herself... Read More

Energy Fields and Group Healing

I have held numerous teleconference workshops where I help individuals... Read More

Selling Spiritual Stuff

Spiritual stuff is a hard sell Roy and one of... Read More

Questioning - Is It A Natural Process?

One of the first issues people on the spiritual path... Read More

How To Fall With Style - The Art Of Sin

Adam had it right when he covered himself with fig... Read More

The 17 Miracle Prayer Points that Make You Rich

Someone asked me the other day what was the most... Read More

Wanted: Floodlight Of Treasure To Undo The Works Of Darkness!

'Jesus answered, are there not twelve hours in a day?... Read More

Believe-Dont Doubt; Give Thanks-and Receive!

Does this ever happen to you? You ask God for... Read More

God Lives and Heals Today

I have a confession.I used to have doubts about God's... Read More

Spiritual Clarity

Who is the more spiritual person? The woman out on... Read More

Word Sculptures of a Mystical Experience

The Mystical Experience"The mysteries of life become lucid ? and... Read More

Origin of Certain Thoughts (Part I)

We all have spirit guides and we all benefit from... Read More

The Power of Ritual

As humans, we are the species that operate with symbols.... Read More

Prophetic Ministry: How to See in the Spirit and Begin Prophetic Words

A Nathan type prophet sees with his eyes. A Samuel... Read More

Using Psalm 23 as Spiritual Affirmation

INTRODUCTIONSpiritual affirmations are positive, statements of intention, that facilitate manifestation.... Read More