We are not of this world

We are not to be part of this world, but to live in this world as a city upon a hill would shine before all. This world tries its best to tell us we need everything we see, we deserve everything we see, because we work hard. As a christian there is nothing this world can offer us better than Jesus. At times its hard to stand, its hard to fight the temptations of this world, but we can reach for help to Christ. We can have friends help us to be accountable for our actions. We can be strong with the strength that God can give, if we will only ask for it. We can be wise to this world and the evils in it, if we will only ask for wisdom. At times we can think we want more, there has to be more. Well, there is more, but its not of this place, its a far greater place than we can even imagine. Our feet do not have to be tied to this world, we do not have to face each day alone. We can place our faith, our trust and our everything in Christ's hands, and He will guard us against evil. There are many things that bring us joy, God places that joy in our hearts. Good, all comes from Christ, He doesn't bring forth evil to us. This world may be calling your name, the internet can be used for good or evil, television is has good about it, but it also has evil, not just what it before our eyes, but just how much time we spend in front of it. There are drugs, not just on the street, but prescribed by your doctor that can bring addiction. Everywhere we turn there are billboards trying to gain our attention. Sin is everywhere, temptation is calling, but we can turn from it. We must think about what we place before our eyes and our ears. For what we see and hear stays in our mind as a picture, and many times as try as we may, those images are there. Trash in trash out. We cannot even go to a movie without cursing, without taking God's name in vain. The top is calling us, the pride is calling, the money is calling, the more we get, the more we want. Its a cycle hard to break, but Christ can give you the strength to overcome. As I walk into gas stations to pay, there is always someone at the counter buying lottery tickets. I have seen people spend a hundred dollars at one time, taking a chance to win more, only to be caught up in the circle it causes. Why do you think the mags are right there at eye sight in the check out lane? They are there, because that is where are eyes go, just as in the cereal lane. The sugar coated cereal, the ones the kids love are all low to the ground, for that is where their eyes go. We were never to be part of this world, we were meant to stand out, we were meant to be different. When others look at us, they should see Christ in all we do. Our friends, neighbors, co-workers, and family should all know we are christians, they should know we love the Lord, and we live differently from the world. I can sit here and type all this about temptation, but I too know the effects of temptation. I know how hard it is to pass it by, but I have learned that with Christ, He will get me through anything, and not just get me through, but let me rise above, and overcome. The things of this world will die, will rust, will be brought to nothing, but the things we do for Christ, for His kingdom are lasting, they leave a legacy for others to witness and to follow. Don't let this world trip you up, don't get caught in the scheme of things, don't press the easy button for all that comes your way. Feed our minds and our hearts on God's word. We are not of this world, so while we are here, lets make a difference. Lets make an impact that will last forever. "You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven." Matthew 5:14-16 "But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to put to shame the things which are mighty; and the base things of hte world and the things which are despised God has chosen, and the things which are not, to bring to nothing the things that are, that no flesh should glory in His presence. But of Him you are in Christ Jesus, who became for us wisdom from God-and righteousness and sanctification and redemption-that, as it is written, He who glories, let him glory in the Lord." 1 Corinthians 1:27-31