Daily Delight

God calls each of us to live in the world but not to be of the world.In other words, God wants us to use the gifts He has blessed us with to do good and to extend this blessing to others in our communities, workplaces, schools, and churches. But, He warns us against becoming part of the world where greed, pride, and earthly accomplishments become our main focus.

“Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them. For everything in the world - the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life - comes not from the Father but from the world. The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever.” -1 John 2:15-17 (NIV)

Sister, I don’t know about you, but I find living only for God really hard to do. I admit that I let greed, desire, ego, and striving enter into how I live life. There are far too many days where my first thoughts in the morning light are about what I need to get accomplished that day rather than sitting quietly listening for God’s voice to lead me. A quick glance at my to-do list and one can see I am living of the world and the love of the Father is not with me. Yikes, that stings.This earthly way of life is not one I desire. But, how do I live for only God when I’m living in a world where greed, pride, and striving are not only recognized, but praised? Romans 12:2 offers a solution: “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” (NIV).Renewing your mind happens on a daily basis. It is when you sit with God and let Him breathe biblical truth into you. When you commit to this daily exercise, God will fill you so that when you do enter the world you are equipped with His truth. It is this truth that will guide you to live in the world, but not be of the world.