WORLDLY OR GODLY?

 We live in this world but are not to be of this world. (See Romans 12:2). What does that mean exactly you might wonder. The world through television,magazines, and movies primarily, tries to tell us how we should be or what we should do or wear to be 'cool' and popular. Seemingly it affects younger people more than older ones. These are the people whose minds are  being influenced and shaped by popular culture. Unless there is more of a God culture inside of them and a desire for righteousness it would be easy to fall for the lure of the New York or Los Angeles scene. Cool, popular,chic, the in crowd, famous, well liked, lots of money, big homes, lots of clothes and shoes, a fancy new car, parties  and on it goes. It is as if the culture wants us to buy into their lie of happiness. In Psalm 32:1 it says " Happy is the man whose sins are forgiven." Certain things seem to make us happy but does your happiness include the joy of the Lord which is where true happiness is found?

 Mark 4:19 tells us "the worries of this life, the deceitfulness of wealth and the desires or other things come in and choke the word and make it unfruitful." Think about it. If your life is consumed with keeping up with others all the while squeezing out time with the Lord you will end up with lots of stuff but as a spiritual weakling. What is more important to you? Acquiring wealth and going to parties or building up a life that will bring glory,honor,and praise to God? If you acquire riches be sure to share and help others. There is nothing wrong with money but it is when it controls us that is bad.

There are many well to do Christians who know how to manage their life and do not let their wealth lure them into sin. You have to determine when God has blessed you to not forget Him. It is He, after all, who gives the power to gain wealth and blesses us with gifts and talents. (See Deuteronomy 8:18).

PRAYER: You oh Lord Give me the power to achieve and create and gain wealth. All things are from you. Help me to commit to staying away from the pattern this world wants to shape me into and instead seek to be more like you. In Jesus name  Amen.

Click on link for a song of praise.
http://youtu.be/5xvtDi0x6P4