Not being conformed to this world really requires us to think through each and everything we do and to evaluate each and every relationship we have or are thinking about having. There is so much to "do" in this world in the form of social networking, tv, movies, blogging and reading blogs, texting, and so on. We can get pulled into all these things so easily because they are fun. They will also eat up a lot of our time and we end up not doing the things that the Lord has called us to do. How many mornings have I said, "I'll just check my email." and then I end up going to Facebook, or reading my favorite blogs and I waste so much time, I'm rushed to do my quiet time with the Lord, or I don't do it at all? Housework gets pushed behind and it all becomes a very bad thing.
I have to make a concerted effort to start my day with the Lord and not my computer. Instead of checking my emails first thing, I have to completely stay away from the computer until I've spent my time with the Lord and done the chores in my house that require my attention. I have to do what the Lord says and do what is good, acceptable and perfect. It's not always easy but so worth it to be obedient to the Lord.
Relationships are the same way. Before we enter into a relationship, it's really important to have discernment about it. As a Christian woman, I don't want to have a friendship with someone that doesn't have the same values as I do. Yes, I can be friendly with all people, but to enter into a friendship with someone that doesn't love the Lord and her actions and lifestyle reflect that, is not going to be good for me. I'm going to be influenced by that friend and possibly get drawn into things that are unacceptable to the Lord. Yes, we should share the gospel of Jesus Christ with everyone, we should be nice, kind, and friendly, but I'm talking about relationships here. My Christian doctor once said to me that "we are always going to be drawn to the lowest form of behavior so it's important to have the right kind of people around us." I think Colossians 3:1 says it best - "If then you have been raised by Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God."
It's also important to remember this for our children, too. What kind of friends do your children have? Are you teaching them discernment when it comes to choosing friends? Are you reminding your older children that this is important in their choice of not only friends, but their choice of who they wish to court?
The Lord tells us not to be unequally yoked. As Christians we are not to be married to a non-believer. The Lord knows that being in a relationship with a non-believer is going to make it all the harder for us to walk with him. It's that "lowest form of behavior" thing again. If a person doesn't court (date) a non-believer, then there won't be the chance of marriage - it's that simple. Why open that door a crack? Guard your heart!
It's not always easy to make these kind of decisions. I have had to make changes in my relationships with people because of what was happening to me and how it was affecting my walk with the Lord. I've never regretted those decisions because I could see what was happening to me. I would much rather walk alone with the Lord than walk without Him in a group of people. He is my everything and I don't want to do anything that will affect my relationship with Him. My relationship with Jesus is the most important relationship of all!
God bless you - Julie
Ouch! I am usually good at having my quiet time first, but chores and the computer are at odds. Now I am trying to exercise in the mornings too the chores get last place. I think of my computer time as a reward. Rewards are OK, but not if my work is not done first. I would not let my kids get away with it. Thanks for the good reminder.
ReplyDeleteJenn
Good insight . Thanks for sharing :)
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