Most people put a lot of effort into being like others
around them. We also tend to follow the thoughts or
opinions of society threw television, movies, books
and the internet. People just have a natural tendency
to just want to fit in.

But, as believers we are under particular
scrutiny, especially by people who do not share our
faith.

We should be Holy because we should reflect God's
character, He is our heavenly father, He has created
us, He has chosen us as His own, therefore we should
be Holy because He wants us to be like Him.

So instead of trying to fit into society we should be
concentrating our efforts on fitting into God's plan
and likewise getting others to fit into His plan as
well.

1st Corinthians 10:31-32 "Therefore whether you eat or
drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.
Give no offence, either to the Jews, or to the Greeks,
or to the church of God."

God wants us to take seriously the privilege of
representing Christ in our homes, communities, and
workplaces.

But the question is why are we more likely to be more
concerned about what others might think or say about
us if we stand up for God in these situations?

What we lack in most cases is a healthy fear of God.
This fear of the Lord would enable us to resist sin as
well as risk the wrath and ridicule of the unbelievers
and the wicked who take up most of the common views in
our society, which are contrary to what we believe.

That fear of the lord will give us courage,
direction, and motivation to make tough choices and
live with Godly behavior despite the consequences
brought to us by the wicked.

We know from scripture that God is a God of love who
shows mercy to sinners but the book of psalms
indicates that He hates people who commit iniquity and
wickedness.

God definitely gets angry at sin that injures and
destroys His creation, but God's righteousness
is not a fit of anger. It is rather a carefully
considered application of a just disapproval and
penalty against wrong doing.

In fact if you give up sin to the best of your ability
the lord will honor your prayer's more, show you more
miracles, and bless you more often than not.

Isaiah 59:1-2 "Behold, the LORD'S hand is not
shortened, that it cannot save; neither his ear heavy,
that it cannot hear: But your iniquities have
separated between you and your God, and your sins have
hid his face from you, that he will not hear.

He takes our sin seriously; therefore, we need to take
His Holiness seriously. Delight in God's law, meditate
and commit to God's ways.

This includes defending God and making a stand against
anyone who would have us do otherwise. Which also
includes mom, dad, brother, sister, best friend,
teacher, and so on and so forth. Take a look at what
Jesus has to say about this.

Matthew 10:34-36 "Think not that I am come to send
peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword.
For I am come to set a man at variance against his
father, and the daughter against her mother, and the
daughter in law against her mother in law. And a man's
foes shall be they of his own household."

But Wait, Jesus also goes on to say the following.

Matthew 10:37-38 He that loveth father or mother more
than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or
daughter more than me is not worthy of me. And he that
taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not
worthy of me.

Those who wish to take up their cross and follow Jesus
must pay the price of repentance.

Repentance is merely saying "I am sorry for my sins"
and actually meaning it. It may also be accomplished
by tears and a sad countenance but true repentance
means turning from wicked ways, from thoughts or acts
that displease God and turning toward a life that
reflects Godly ways.

Psalms 5:4. "For You are not a God who takes pleasure
in wickedness, nor shall evil dwell with You."

It's common today for us to excuse our faults with the
attitude, "Nobody's perfect" or say "God will forgive
me of my sins". While these are true and can be used
to argue a point of no one person being better than
another no matter how good they think they are,
because "All fall short of the glory of God". It
should not be used as an excuse to continue sinning if
you understand what you are doing is wrong.

Most importantly, try to be strong and deligent in
keeping God's word and don't let anyone change your
mind concerning the doing of God's will because your
salvation may depend on it.

This article was brought to you by PrayWay Global Prayer Community.
This article does not necessarily reflect the opinions or beliefs of PrayWay. It is provided for informational purposes only. As always, weigh everything with the Word of God, which is the only inerrant source of information.