Don't Blend Into the Crowd - By Jill

In the book of Daniel we learn that when the king of Babylon captured Judah, he ordered youths (from the royal and noble families) in whom was no defect, who were good-looking, showing intelligence in every branch of wisdom, endowed with understanding and discerning knowledge, .... to be brought back to Babylon. They were then indoctrinated with the wisdom and knowledge of the culture they lived in (Daniel 1:3-4). WOW! Doesn't this sound like the very ideals of our world? We are so indoctrinated by the world's system of values that we idolize image, pursuit of youth, intelligence, social status and economic status. Yet this is not what God has called us to be: ambassadors of Christ, salt of the earth, light of the world. Instead, too often we are tolerant of the world and even believe its lies. What set Daniel and his 3 friends apart from the wordly society they lived in, was that they made up their minds not to defile themselves in the world they lived (Daniel 1:8). Instead of conforming to the world, Daniel kept his eyes on God.
God's word tells us that we are to turn from idols to serve a living and true God (1 Thessalonians 1:9). We are to present ourselves as a living, holy sacrifice acceptable to God, which is our spiritual service of worship (Romans 12:1). We are to be a living sacrifice because we are to die to own values, desires, rights, .... and instead deny ourselves and follow God. We are to be holy - set apart for God, not the world. We are to ascribe to the Lord the glory due His name (Psalm 29:2). We are to represent God to the people around us. God's word tells us in Proverbs 3:15 that nothing you desire compares with His wisdom.
So what about you? In what ways are you conforming to the world instead of transforming it? Join me in studying His word. Remember, your children are watching and learning from you!