It’s fun to watch young folks when they have a crush on someone or when they wish they could get the attention of someone in particular. Sometimes they want to alter their looks or even their behavior to make themselves more appealing.
Have you ever seen that? Have you ever done that yourself? I encourage you to reconsider.
I used to think it did not matter who I hung out with as long as they weren’t breaking the law. Since I don’t “judge a book by its cover” as the old saying goes, I do not judge folks by what they look like or how they dress. I carried that theme a bit too far years ago.
I found myself with a group of folks that did not share my values. They did not share my interests. They also did not share my faith. Although I thought I was gaining new friends, it never quite worked out. I could not be the person they wanted me to be, and I would not have been happy trying to fill that role.
There also have been times in my life when I did not make friends easily. I thought it was my fault. Looking back I realize that it was because I was not enough like them to have them as friends. It really is okay to have different interests.
When you try to be someone you aren’t, it doesn’t lead to happiness. The expectations of the folks you are with are that you will conform to what they are doing. You won’t feel free to be yourself. In addition, other folks will think you are like those people you call your friends.
Just like you won’t find new friends by changing who you are, you also won’t typically find the right friend, business partner, or spouse by conforming to the world. You both need to be conforming to Jesus.
I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
Romans 12:1-2
Be who you are. If you make a friend because you are pretending to be someone you aren’t, chances are you won’t have too much in common with them. But when you make a friend – being yourself – and you both are seeking to conform to Jesus, you’ll have lots in common! You’ll be giving your relationship the best chance of survival.
LIFE APPLICATION
Key Focal Verse:
And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him: And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.
Matthew 3:16-17
Today’s challenge is to be who God says you are. Pray for strength to be that person and not abandon it by conforming to this world. In all relationships seek for someone that shares your faith. Remember to continue to pray for revival for our nation. Look to support politicians that are not conforming to the world, but who are seeking the Lord.