Don't Blend in With the World

The Bible teaches in 1 John 2:15-17 "Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life is not of the Father but is of the world. And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever."  We also learn from  1 Peter 2:5 "you also, as living stones, are being built up a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ." These, along with many other New Testament verses teach us what our mindset must be if we are centered on loving and serving Christ first and foremost. We must understand that we are not supposed to be like everyone else in the world. Jesus is our example and first love (1 Peter 2:21; Revelation 2:4), or at least He is supposed to be! We have a responsibility to say, wear, and do that which Jesus would approve of. In the society that we live in today we must be very careful not to allow ourselves to do things that those of the world may be doing. We must conduct ourselves as Christians even in cyberspace. In the internet world of facebook, myspace, blogs, and web sites, we must still make sure that we are speaking, writing, and acting like Christians, striving to please our Lord in all things. Remember, that God sees us everywhere and other Christians who know us can become discouraged when we blend in as others in the world. Peter says to Christians "but as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct" (1 Peter 1:15). Remember we are a "chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light" (1 Peter 2:9). It is great to have many friends, but we must make sure that we are not letting our friends' influence to become greater than God's. May we all stay focused on loving and serving God first and foremost in our life. His Word teaches us that we certainly cannot serve God and mammon (Matthew 6:24).