"Dear friends, I urge you, as aliens and strangers in the world to abstain from sinful desires, which war against your soul. Live such good lives among the pagans that though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day He visits us." (1Peter 2:11-12)
It is normal to get caught up in a heated discussion or meeting, maybe even lose your temper and say something you regret. The challenge is to be different by keeping your cool and appraising the whole situation before making a comment. Through a level-headed approach a practical solution will become clear and in obedience you will honor the Father.
It is the new normal to be sexually promiscuous in these times of seemingly constant titillation through popular clothing fashions and all forms of media. The standard is to be different by making a decision to stay chaste until marriage and practicing fidelity in marriage. This is only possible through a growing, personal relationship with Jesus the Christ. Lean into Christ to prepare you for the level of commitment marriage requires and in obedience you will honor the Father.
It is normal to conform to relative truths in this world as they relate to perversion of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. The charge is to be different by walking under the influence of the absolute Truth with the grace that is Jesus the Christ in your life. You will be a compelling example for those in your circles and in obedience you will honor the Father.
"Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage – with great patience and careful instruction, for the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead to suit their own desires, they will gather round them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear." (2Timothy 4:2-3)
Tips to Be Different:
- Pray and read scripture several times a day.
- Worship Who deserves our worship, our Heavenly Father, and study His word daily.
- Be frugal and a good steward of the gifts you have been blessed with.
- Stand out as a Kingdom influence where He has you.
Prayer: Lord, I confess the sins of man today, including myself and my father’s house. We, the Church, have conformed to society more than we want to admit. We have been unfaithful to You. We have turned from Your calling for us as men, husbands and fathers but desire to return to You in obedience. Equip us to be faithful in Your sight and guide us to be different in this world in a way that honors You. Amen.
A faithful father stands out to be absolutely different in a relative world.
Please comment on ways you can be different for the sake of raising a godly generation.
