By, Toni Smothers
Scripture Reading: Galatians 5:19-21
Scripture Quote: “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--His good, pleasing and perfect will.” Romans 12:2 (NIV)
It's so easy to slip into conformity of this world. We work, shop, and interact with the lost daily. We must constantly draw on the power of the Holy Spirit to navigate. Without Him, we will fail to live up to the standard we know to be right. In Romans we are told to hate what is evil and cling to what is good, which is a simple thing when we are in the presence of God's people in the house of the Lord. Not so easy, however, out in the world where we must still participate.
But consider: Can we talk in an ungodly choice of words to blend in with man, then address our heavenly Father with praise and adoration on our stained lips? We do recognize and abhor blaspheming the name of God, but foolish talk and coarse joking abound in secular society till they almost seem normal to our ears. Are we children of the highest God, or fence sitters, taking part in the good along with the questionable? We can choose to jump off that fence where temptation hovers and fall into the arms of our loving Father, where purity and faithfulness guide and protect our minds and hearts from evil.
Today’s meditation: You are called to be like Jesus.
Memory Verse: “I will not look with approval on anything that is vile. I hate what faithless people do; I will have no part in it.” Psalms 101:3 (NIV)