After accepting Christ many are super-charged and on a mission to not only change themselves but also the world. However, as Peter says in 1 Pt 1:14, it’s so easy to fall back into sin, to conform to the evil desires you had before you received Christ, when you lived in ignorance. Your spiritual enemy, the devil, is determined to see you fail, fall, slip back. He will do everything he can to lure you from God. He is constantly bringing questions into your mind causing you to question God, to question God’s purpose for your life, and to encourage you to seek your own happiness rather than the holiness God desires. But you are no longer ignorant; you have no excuse! Because of the blood of Jesus you’ve been set free from the power of sin. When you accept Christ as your savior an lord, there’s an internal shift. You experience change, but not by your own power or might; it’s by the power of the Holy Spirit. God is not calling you to a happy life, but to a holy life. He calls you to be different than the world!

Scripture – Mt 7:13; 1 Pt 1:13-21

Verses
Therefore, with minds that are alert and fully sober, set your hope on the grace to be brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed at his coming. As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written, “Be holy, because I am holy.” 1 Pt 1:13-16 “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it.” Mt 7:13

Thought
What does the word “holy” mean? It comes from the Greek word “hagios”, meaning set apart, pure. We are not saved by living a holy life, you can’t be holy enough or good enough. Holiness isn’t the path to knowing God; knowing God is the path to holiness. Different pursues God, seeks to please God and puts Him first in all things, not just when it works. It means God is front and center even when it’s difficult and when it costs you. Being different is not about modifying outward behavior, that won’t last, it’s about spiritual transformation from the inside out. When God works through the Holy Spirit and changes your heart, then behavior is changed. You start doing what pleases God instead of pleasing yourself. You live for an audience of one; it doesn’t matter what anyone else thinks. It’s a higher calling—holiness! Because your heart has been changed (transformed) the fruit of the Holy Spirit is developing, your roots grow deep, you are pursing God, spending time in His Word each day, not conforming to the world but conforming to the image of Jesus.

Questions
In your work life, how are you different? How does your schedule reflect that you are different? What values do you live by that indicate you are different? How have you raised your children that is different from the world?

Response
Ask God in what areas he wants you to be different. Focus on one. Pray and read your Bible. Spend time with God. Allow the Holy Spirit to teach you and lead you toward change from the inside out.

Prayer
Heavenly Father, keep my head from turning to the left or to the right. The world is all around promising pleasure and happiness in the pursuit worldly goals. Keep me focused on your plan for my life. Help me to pursue your holiness by remaining in your Word, spending time with you, and joining in fellowship and worship with my church family. Guide my steps and keep me from sin. I pray, in Jesus’ Name, amen.