Faith Musings: Of the World or In Christ

Are we set on making ourselves good in the sight of men or in the sight of God? Shall we be politically correct or shall we stay true to God’s word?

In today’s society it is so much easier to fit in with the world than to fit in with God. No one wants to get hurt. We want to fit in because that is what society says we should do. It is much more fun, and one gets more followers, if we focus on posting and sharing worldly things. Even I have fallen into this on more than one occasion because it “feels good” to get likes and shares.

Galations 1:10

Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ. (NIV)

For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ. (KJV)

Now does that sound as if I were trying to win human approval? No! I want God’s approval! Or that I’m trying to cater to people? If I were still doing that, I would not be a servant of the Messiah. (CJB)

However, God doesn’t tell us to fit in with the world. In fact, He tells us just the opposite.

Romans 12:2

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.

We are called to love God, obey His word, and share that word with the world. Often, that comes at a price, be it emotional and/or physical. That means sharing what is honorable to God. That means thinking about the content of what we post and how it comes across, especially to a non-believer. God doesn’t say we can’t have fun, but He does want us to be cognizant of what we do and say and share. He wants us to share His love and light and grace and to do it being mindful and true to Him.

I’ll admit I struggle with this. It really is hard to be in the world but not participating in things that are not honorable to God. It’s a daily struggle. I blog. I have multiple Instagram accounts. It hurts to get negative feedback from a non-believer or a believer who is more of the world than of following God. However, I think about what Christ went through when he came to earth and died for our sins. He was ridiculed and mocked. He was beaten. He was put to death! Getting negative feedback is nothing compared to what he endured for us.

So, we focus on being for Christ. Sometimes it is a daily struggle. Sometimes it is a minute by minute struggle. Through God’s grace and love we can do it, though!

Dear Lord: We thank you for sending your son to die for us and for creating a new covenant with us to save us from eternal death. Being in you and not of the world is difficult. Help us in our daily activities to know when we are being of the world rather than for you. Help us be strong and courageous like Christ in sharing your light and truth. Amen.