"not of this world"

Throughout my life friendships have seemed to come and go, and I never quite understood why.  Thankfully GOD knows why , and when what I feel is a friendship I want to invest my time and energy into is NOT good for me, then HE will shut it down.  It is because I know that HIS plans for my life are far greater than what I think my life could be.  I know that when I was baptized I was saying to HIM and the world, "JESUS CHRIST is my Lord and Savior, and I choose to follow HIM for the rest of my life."  I know that in order to truly follow JESUS and to allow HIM to teach me I must become, "not of this world."

Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will." Romans 12:2

In choosing to NOT to conform to the ways of the world, I am saying I choose to allow my thoughts and emotions to be CHRIST lead.  "It has been said that emotions are the Christian's number one enemy because they can easily prevent us from following the will of GOD."  Just last night I was swimming with my family and two of what my daughter described as "mean girls" entered the pool.   Almost immediately the glaring, and judging began between them and my daughter.  I soon became so wrapped up in how my daughter felt, that I too joined in the glaring and judging.  Just like that I had allowed myself to become emotionally lead, when in reality HE wants me to align my thoughts and emotions to HIS and see them through HIS eyes.  HE gave me several chances in fact to repent and apologize, however I was too "busy" "hating" on some girls I didn't even know.  It wasn't until this morning that HE showed me the bigger picture of the teachable moments I passed up with my daughter.  I was this morning that I receive HIS daily teaching of what "not of this world" means for me.  So here it comes again, a nice big slice of humble pie.

HE showed me this morning, that just as fiercely as I was wanting to protect my daughter, HE wants to protect me.  HE wants me to live my life according to HIS will so that HE will do good works through me.  HE wants me to stop focusing on what the world says I should do, and get my mind set on what HE wants me to do.  Even when it feels right it doesn't mean it is right.

^"being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." Phillipians 1:6

HE has shown me this morning that within my body are thoughts, feelings, imaginations, and desires.  This is said to be called "The person of the Heart"

Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes. ⁴ Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight." 1 Peter 3:3-4

I, Heather must choose to spend less time worrying about my outter appearance and get my sole attention and focus on whose I am.  I must choose this, as when I die all that will remain is my spirit and soul.  This doesn't mean that I can't look nice, being well-dressed, makeup, and accessories.  However it does mean that when I allow myself to be lead by "vanity" then I am not able to keep myself from conforming to this world. 

I often pray for my young children as we live in a very harsh cruel world.  A world where if you aren't smart enough, pretty enough, funny enough.... the list goes on an on.   This judgement that is placed on the world is destroying our spirits.  When I didn't have a personal relationship with JESUS all I could think about what dying.  I craved it, longed for it, even begged for it.  The pain was too much for me in my flesh to bear.   There were moments where I didn't think I could possibly live another second.  I always seemed to become friends with people who did more harm then good to my spirit, and who eventually left me, broken and alone.  In taking me through the journey of my past GOD has shown me just how HE created me to be "not of this world."  I somehow always seemed to bounce back from heartbreak after heartbreak. I always seemed to be able to forgive those who hurt me, even when I didn't feel like it.  I always seemed to be attached to the broken hearted, and most of my friends heartbreak similiar to mine.  I had trust issues, and truly trusted no one but myself.  I was ready, ready for a fight at any given time.  I was ready for battle on a moment's notice. 

In choosing to be baptized I was born again.  I became CHRIST lead, and I allowed my thoughts and actions to be aligned to HIS will for my life.  In choosing to declare JESUS as my #1 I know that I am to be "not of this world."

I pray today that you will choose to be CHRIST lead, and allow HIM to renew your heart, soul, and mind. That you will no longer be lead by worldly desires, but that you will allow JESUS to teach you the way you are to live.  That you will live a life of peace and grace that can only come from HIM.  I pray that you too will become "not of this world."

Blessings,
Heather