While Paul in Romans 12:2 cautions believers not to conform to the pattern of the world, 1 John 2:16 opens up what’s in this world that forms its pattern. They are the lust of the eyes, the lust of the flesh and the pride of life. If you look at what is going on in the lives of worldly people very carefully, you’ll be able to discern that at least one of these three things is at work in their lives.
Being conscious of this truth, Peter clearly said in 1 Peter 2:11 that we should abstain from sinful desires that wage war in our souls. Why? Because we are foreigners on Earth, not permanent inhabitants. That means that every sinful desire that wages war in your soul is a signal from the devil that is geared towards making you settle your mind on earthly things rather than setting your affection on things above.
Can you be rest assured that your eternal Father is ready to embrace you? His mark is on your life because His Spirit lives in you. Therefore, from today, pursue a deeper intimacy with Him. Let your life radiate His glory wherever you go.
You have been born again with the imperishable seed of God’s Word. So, guess what? Your life is not subject to corruption once you are in Christ. Get this understanding firmly in your spirit that no matter what happens to you in life, God is up to making your life get better and better, not worse.
If you stand in the realm of grace, then it means that that realm is so vast that it can contain you and all other believers in Christ. Furthermore, it means that the possibilities in the grace of God are endless because no human yardstick can measure the realm of grace. But the question is, how many possibilities in God’s grace have you known by revelation and pressed hard in the Spirit to walk in its reality?
Since time immemorial, Jews have been classified as God’s people who carry His oracles. And this hasn’t changed. Jews are still God’s people. But today, the “Jews,” who are God’s children, are no longer physical descendants of Abraham, although He still loves them and cares about them. The current Jews of God are those who are born again in Christ. So, if you are a Christian, then you are a jew by inward witness. That’s it.
John the Baptist, although he had already told people that he was not the Christ, still had people question him about it. Today, that thing hasn’t changed. Many still like to taunt people about questions they have already replied to and still aren’t satisfied. Dear one, define who you are not. And don’t let the pressure to say what people like make you say something you do not stand for.
Don’t feel bothered when those of the world speak evil of you. Don’t feel bad for standing for Christ in the face of multiple tribulations. God is greater than anybody in this world. He knows you and calls you His child. Fret not, for He is with you.
We all have skills, talents and experiences which (can) contribute to the world around us. As a Christian, knowing your value is not any different. The reason is to raise awareness on how better you can influence the world with what you have.
The Bible says, as God’s child, you are a child of the light and also of the day. You may ask, what does this mean? Well, it means that you are not under the bondage of darkness because Jesus has set you free, and God, the Father of lights (see James 1:17), dwells in you (see 1 John 4:8).
Jesus will never be unfaithful to you. He is not like man who says one thing and changes his mind the next minute. No! He is constant. He isn’t subject to change like how currency conversions change. He is the Lord of your life. Stick to following His ways because He will never leave nor forsake you.
Jesus said if a tree is good, then its fruit is good. Consequently, if a tree is bad, its fruit will also be bad. Interpreting this in relation to people’s behaviour implies that a sinner remains a sinner because sin is inherent in him. But the saved are righteous because God confers His righteousness to those who accept Jesus as Lord and personal Saviour (see Romans 10:9).
