There Is A Difference

Have you given much thought to the reason why we are in the world but not part of it? Did you even know that? It is not all that popular to preach these days. We are too busy on our self improvement stuff to realize we don't belong here. We are so busy worrying about fitting in that we have forgotten there is nothing here to fit into.

Seriously, what is occupying our heart and thoughts? How are we being entertained? Why did Jesus say that we are not to be unequally yoked (joined together)? What does that even mean? It means you are different and you cannot allow yourself to become again like those who are still in rebellion. You can't allow yourself to be sucked into their way of thinking. You can't be entertained by the same things or have the same goals. Remember:

They are darkened in their understanding and separated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardening of their hearts. Having lost all sensitivity, they have given themselves over to sensuality so as to indulge in every kind of impurity, with a continual lust for more. (Ephesians 4:18-19)

Sometimes we forget. Sometimes we forget that we are different, that we don't belong here. They can't see what we see, hear what we hear, think how we think. We really need to accept the fact that we are a new creation and they are not. They are still separated from God. They are ignorant because their hearts are hard. They have no spiritual sensitivity and do not even realize the things they indulge in are offensive to God.

The teachers you sit under teach from this kind of heart and mind. Respect them but filter what they teach by the Word of God and the Holy Spirit in you. Your boss leads from this kind of heart and mind. You need to forgive him and work instead as if you are working for the Lord. Even parents without Jesus parent with this kind of heart and mind. So it can be hard to stay on track when we are constantly surrounded by such influence. This is the reason we need time with Jesus.

We can't go to church once a week and think we will be okay. We are engaged in warfare and we are in the enemies camp. The enemy is engaged in psychological warfare and he is after our heart and mind. He is not greater than Jesus in us, not even close. However, if we do not allow Jesus in us to be everything then we can unwittingly allow the enemy in. Once he is in then we too can become ignorant again.

We need to practice the presence of the Lord throughout the day. Talk to him about everything. Don't stop praying. Face every situation with the Lord by your side. Don't just say the words but act as if he is physically there with you. Study the Word of God everyday and listen to the Spirit. He is speaking to you, he always is. And understand he wants to do supernatural things through you. We call them the Gifts of the Spirit and they have been given to you for a reason; to use. Jesus has to be the only influence in our lives.

So stop listening to the ignorant philosophy and darkened wisdom of this world. They don't know any better but you do. You are without excuse. You know the beauty of the King and have experienced his love. Throw off the creeping vines of the enemy and grab hold of the holiness of God. Light cannot be joined with darkness. Stay in the light and do not allow the shadows to approach. You are a child of the Light not a creature of the dark. Remember that and stand your ground.