As human beings living in society, it can be easy to get caught up in what our peers are doing and follow along; However Romans 12:2 lets us know that we should not be conformed to this world, but we should be transformed by the renewing of our mind. We shouldn’t allow the world to dictate to us how we live our lives; we instead should receive our guidance from the Word of God. Sometimes people can put their focus on being liked/accepted by other people, instead of focusing on pleasing God. Remember it’s how God views us that really matters. Think of it like this, when someone gets invited in for a job interview with a company they want to work for, it’s important for them to make a good impression with the person making the hiring decision. If they go to the company’s building for the interview, and start trying to show off for the current employees, and yet don’t make a good impression with the person doing the hiring, chances are they won’t get the job.
“Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.” – Colossians 3:2
While there may be many things that we would like to do (whether it’s with our family, ministry, career, etc.), it’s important that we don’t put our desire to accomplish those things over our desire to serve God. Sometimes a person can spend so much time trying to do things “their way” and yet still not get the results they desire. However when we do things God’s way, we can take comfort in the fact that He knows what’s best for us, and will lead us where we need to go. That’s why it’s so important that we submit to Him, and continue to have faith in Him regardless of what we encounter.
“Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.” - Philippians 4:11-12
Picture something in your mind that you really would like to accomplish…..Now imagine if God told you to let go of that particular thing, would you be willing to?.... And while God may not require us to let go of that thing, it’s important that we are willing to let go of anything that God tells us to let go of. Our relationship with God is so important and we shouldn’t allow anything to get in the way of it. We should continue to trust God, and be thankful to Him regardless of what we go through (whether things are happening the way we want them to or not). So as we continue to grow in our walk with Christ, let us remember to seek the kingdom of God first and His righteousness.
“Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” – Matthew 6:19-21