Where do I Draw the Line?
Sunday, April 30, 2006
“The greatest enemy to the church is "contented worldliness." C.S. Lewis
I often take a close look at the things I am doing in my life. Am I walking toward Him or am I straying off the path? Where do I draw the line on what I will tolerate or not toloerate. There are so many things we stop to look at or partake of that are not pleasing to God. He said we are to be Holy because He is Holy. Is that possible?
I pray God will help me to be the child He wants me to be, not my will but His. I pray He will help me to be the friend He has called me to be. I pray He will help me be the mother He intended me to be. I pray He will help me be the wife he meant for me to be, the employee He meant me to be, the witness He meant me to be. I pray He will daily get in my face and show me who I am and show me the things I need to change. I want to know what displeases Him.
I sometimes think of the things I don't want my own children to do or be involved in and then I reflect on my Father in heaven. I know we will commit sin, but shouldn't we strive to live a Godly life, one that is pleasing to Him. I want to not only abstain from evil but abstain from the very appearance of it. Don't you think He is watching us and He is pleased when we strive to do what we know He wants us to do.
The word says in 1 Corinthians 15:33, evil communications corrupt good manners. I ask myself what are the things in my world that communicate to me? Television, movies, radio, billboards, advertisements, magazines and the list goes on. Who is communicating what and am I allowing things to go into my spirit that I could avoid? Someone once said to me...America watches demented people committing sin for entertainment. Wow, what a thought. Then I read the scripture that says, looking back is like a dog who returns to his vomit. I heard it described like this...someone going through a bucket of vomit to see if there was anything edible in it. I know that is gross, huh, but for me, it put sin in perspective.
I love the Lord and I want to be a vessel He can work through, not because of what I have done, but because of what Christ has done in me. He has changed me. I am not the same person anymore. I want to abstain from the things that would infect my life and poison my spirit. I want to live Holy. I want to practice righteousness. I want to draw the line on compromise. I will not be content with worldliness, I want to eradicate as much of it in my life as I can. Love motivates love. I love Him because He first loved me!
Reading His word cleanses me. I take a shower to clean my physical body and I take a shower in His word to clean my spiritual man. So today as I walk in faith, I pray He changes me a little bit more than yesterday. He died for me, therefore I will live for Him, for without Him, I have no life, no direction and no hope. I have drawn the line.
posted by Live, Love, Laugh | 3:48 AM
16 Comments:
Your post contained such truth. I hope the Christian world is getting an awakening to holiness. I once heard someone say that something that is objectionable becomes acceptable given enough time and repetition, I hate to believe it but I'm afraid it's become true. We can stop that through the power of Christ, not by acting holy, but by living holy. It's time to stop being 'politically correct' and acting like nothing offends us. After all, "WE are a holy people unto the Lord...
As always, it must start in our homes and in our own lives..thanks for the reminder!
What a heartfelt post. You know, I couldn't help but wonder what puts these desires (the ones you mentioned) into someone's heart. I've often felt the way you do and I feel that way now, but does God put it in our hearts to want to seek him and want to lead lives that will please Him? I really question why some people are drawn to become better people and others seem to feel content the way they are. We have free will, so I know a choice is involved, but sometimes I feel SO completely compelled to please God, to share his word, to help someone expecting nothing in return, to not let Him down. It's so real, I could cry and I have. Why is it that some people don't get it and don't want to? It just breaks my heart. But this post and those like it, bring hope and healing.
I heard a great question and response this week. It will give you something to reflect on for quite a while. Q: What is the difference between Christians and Secular people? A: With the exception of salvation, not much. Stay in the word and pray for wisdom and discernment. We are seeing an exponential increase in worldliness, false gospels, false prophets and churches, distortions of the world and much, much more. You are wise, Dana , to spend as much daily time with Him as you are …. Thanks for raising our awareness.
Very well spoken. I am still praying for you and your family!
Very well done.
Recognizing our need to be more like Him is a step toward actually becoming more like Him.
May the joy and peace from our Lord be with you always :)
Making the everyday life consecrated and sacred is a task for every believer. Hills and valleys, all necessary for growth. I wish you continued dedication and success.
How are you, Dana?
Take care :)
It seems to me that our country is sliding down a slippery slope trying to "accomodate" everyone. There is so much sin in our world and everything we see does effect us. It's so hard living in the world but not of the world. There is so much out there pulling us down. We have to constantly fight to stay on that straight and narrow path.
I know that your job lets you see plenty of the natural world. I worried about my husband while he was an officer, but the word of God kept him going. Where would we be without it. We need to be a "light" to all of those around us. Your work with the boys is a way to help those lost souls find Christ. Keep up your good work.
Glad your mom is doing better. Try to keep her with you as long as you can. It seems that she is doing better with you and your daughters care. Keep praying and the Lord will tell you what to do. Good luck!
A good post. C. S. Lewis was brilliant, wasn't he?
America watches demented people committing sin for entertainment
Sounds like Roman times, doesn't it? I've begun to get the same impression. I never watch TV, so when I DO turn it on, I am probably more surprised and shocked by what I see than the people who are acclimating to it regularly.
that's right. we must be reflections of the beauty we need to see in this world.
love is where it's at.
peace, love and balance!
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Now, on to the topic at hand...
We seem to be on the same page with our post. The recent one on Ecclesiastes 2:3 asked, "Am I drunk with the world or with the Spirit?". Which are you?
Wow, as always you have spoken to me & put into words exactly how I'm feeling. DH has been telling me that I'm turning into a prude because there are things that didn't bother me before that bother me now & I strive to make the right changes to better my life for Him.
PS: You KNOW you WANT to go to college now. ROFL!
wow, i just "hopped" over here and am glad i did! i needed this post! even though i don't have kids yet, i have a younger sis who (bless her heart) has "three moms!" as one of those "moms" i can only imagine how much pain and hurt we put God through, and how patient He must be! i know if i see her doing making a small mistake, i want to rush in, correct her, take away the consequences and start it over again. but, unless i let her learn the lesson for herself she likely won't remember it - and she'll do it again when the stakes are a little higher in the future.
our God is so awesome - truly the Perfect Parent!
Dana...thanks for visiting my blog..you are welcome to share your heart there any time you feel led...
this is a beautiful post...hope you dont mind if I linked to you...
I am keeping you and your family in prayer...God Bless
Donna
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