by Ester yusufu | 14 November 2022 08:46 am11
To God be the glory through Christ Jesus our Lord.
Welcome, beloved, as we once again reflect on the life-giving Word of God. Today, we focus on a vital message for every believer: rejecting the standards of this fallen world in order to embrace our true identity in Christ.
Let’s begin with Ephesians 2:1–2
“As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient.”
This passage reveals a spiritual reality: the world operates under a corrupt system influenced by Satan, the “ruler of the kingdom of the air.” Before salvation, we naturally followed this system. But when we came to Christ, we were rescued from that dominion (Colossians 1:13).
Many behaviors normalized around the world directly oppose God’s will. For example, in some countries, co-ed public restrooms are common. In others, marijuana use is legal and socially accepted. These may be “normal” by cultural standards, but cultural acceptance does not equal spiritual righteousness.
The Apostle Paul reminds us that we must evaluate practices not by social norms but by God’s Word. The Kingdom of God has its own standards — standards that do not shift with culture.
When you choose holiness, the world won’t always understand. This is not a sign that you’re wrong, but that you are on the narrow path:
1 Peter 4:3–4
“For you have spent enough time in the past doing what pagans choose to do… They are surprised that you do not join them in their reckless, wild living, and they heap abuse on you.”
The early church faced mockery for their moral values, just like we do today. But being “strange” in the world’s eyes means you’re aligned with the Kingdom of Heaven.
Someone once told me, “If a man doesn’t enjoy football, women, or alcohol, he’s not a real man.” This is the world’s definition of masculinity — one shaped by lust, pride, and temporary pleasures.
Likewise, women are pressured to look a certain way, to act “modern,” and to lower their moral standards just to fit in. But Christian identity is not rooted in cultural trends — it’s rooted in Christ.
Galatians 2:20
“I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me.”
God does not call His children to live according to worldly expectations. He calls us to holiness — not legalism, but Spirit-led purity in thought, word, and deed.
Romans 12:2
“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”
This transformation isn’t just about avoiding sin; it’s about learning to love what God loves and hate what God hates. It’s about living as citizens of heaven even while walking on the earth (Philippians 3:20).
God doesn’t accept divided hearts. If you’re trying to walk the line between faith and worldliness, Scripture says you’re in danger.
1 John 2:15–17
“Do not love the world or anything in the world… The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever.”
God demands total devotion. He wants your heart, not just your behavior. If you try to mix God’s truth with worldly lifestyles, you risk spiritual lukewarmness.
Revelation 3:16
“So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth.”
So the choice lies before you today — whose pattern will you follow?
Will you be shaped by heaven or by the world? You cannot stand in both. Jesus said, “No one can serve two masters” (Matthew 6:24).
The way of the world is wide, easy, and popular — but it leads to destruction (Matthew 7:13). The way of Christ is narrow, sometimes lonely, but it leads to eternal life and joy.
Live for the Kingdom
Dear believer, be courageous. Don’t compromise to please people and lose your intimacy with God. Don’t seek acceptance from a world that rejected your Savior. Instead, embrace the beautiful, holy life God calls you to.
Let your life reflect the pattern of heaven, not the customs of a passing world.
May the Lord bless you and strengthen you to live set apart.
Shalom.
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