Living in these Revelation days is an exciting time to be alive! Jesus told us that we are the salt and light in the world. We are called to make a difference while on Earth – to represent the Kingdom of God. However, we all have mountains in life to conquer and personal things we struggle with – sins/weights that so easily beset us.
So, how do we live a godly life when impurity is all around us? Jesus taught us that we are IN this world, but we are not OF it. (John 15:19) How is that accomplished when we live in a fallen Earth? Are we to isolate ourselves and never get involved in our community or government?
Christians are called to be different than those who live by the world’s system. Our part is to cooperate with Holy Spirit and allow Him to guide us. Whatever your struggle, victory has already been attained through Christ’s sacrifice and resurrection. Victory is possible because Jesus has already overcome every temptation that the enemy will ever present to you. The Spirit of Christ lives in you and you overcome by the blood of the Lamb and the word of your testimony!!
There are keys to living pure in an impure world and I’ll share some that I’ve learned through years of walking with the Lord. Do not assume from that statement that my life has been perfect or that I have never struggled with temptations or sinned – just the opposite is true. However, God’s unfailing love, His awesome mercy and continual forgiveness has encouraged me to stay on course with Christ even after disastrous failures. Don’t allow the enemy to torment you and hold you down when you give in to temptation. God is the God of Restoration!
Some keys to living victoriously are:
#1 – Become intimately acquainted with Jesus. Jesus loves you and proved it at Calvary. He desires to have a one-on-one relationship with you. Have regular times of fellowship with Him and stay focused on the Lord. The better you know your Savior and receive His unending love, the less desire you will have for worldly ways.
Fall in love with Jesus and your heart will be so captured that when temptation comes, your love for the Lord will strengthen you to resist and not grieve the Holy Spirit. And, when you do give in to temptation don’t stay away from the Lord. Repent and let Him cleanse you, then get up and go on with God. He is waiting with open arms to restore you.
#2 – Study the Word. Have God’s Word as your filtering system when temptations, ungodly thoughts or attitudes try to take over. Learn to live a godly life by knowing God’s Word—His success manual.
II Timothy 2:15— “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” KJV
#3 – Daily ask the Lord to cleanse you of anything that the enemy may be trying to defile you with, such as lustful thoughts, fantasies, self-pity, offenses, and hurt feelings. Receive forgiveness for mistakes or harsh words you may have spoken.
1 John 1:9—“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” KJV
#4 – Listen to God’s Spirit within you and follow His leading. Practice obedience in the little things so when trying times come, you have already strengthened your obedience muscle. Continually thank the Lord that He is always with you no matter what is going on in your life.
Hebrews 13:5—“…I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.” KJV
Recently, while trying on some clothes at a store, I put the “rejects” on hangers and my laziness just hung them shabbily. Some were even left inside out! Immediately the Spirit of God nudged me to hang them correctly. Although it may sound silly to the natural mind, those small things do make a difference. Friend, if God can trust you with the small instructions that may seem insignificant, then later He will entrust you with bigger assignments.
Luke 16:10—“ He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much: and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much”.
Look for Part II of Living Pure in an Impure World next week!
Contact us for personal prayer by calling the Morningside Prayer Center (417)779-4673
Hi Sharon, First, thank you for your teachings here. Reinforces where I am in my walk with the Lord. I think and pray for Jim and Lori and the ministry often. Appreciate you and your prayers for us over the years! Earl & I feel God is calling us into Ministry. Lot of things coming against us. Please pray God will keep us steadfast . We need s financial breakthrough to keep our cabin which is being used for ministry. We are trying to get out of debt so we can focus more on ministry. We need favor. We need world to pay our bills. Appreciate your prayers. Thanks Sharon