City Life Starter

There are plenty of opinions of just about everything in the evangelical circle.  Whether it is political or social injustice issue, the church is quite opinionated about these matters.  All have become experts in some way to describe and prescribe how to approach certain issues.  Perhaps it is good for Christians to have conviction on certain things that matters dearly to them, to debate and challenge an opposition can be healthy when: 1. There is a mutual respect for others, even if they have different beliefs, and 2. Humility.  It can however, also become a great hinderance when these issues dominate one’s daily life.  When a person loses respect for others, by using mockery or degrading a person to be less intellectual because they don’t agree with your opinion, you have made your fellow man to be subordinate in their thoughts.  As believers, we must have respect for others, even if we disagree and model humility when we are challenged upon our beliefs.  

That being said, let me ask you one honest question.  How about the Gospel?  Do you share as much of conviction and zeal as you do with the worldly issues?  If you share as much time and effort in the Gospel (understanding & sharing with others), I applaud you for your dedication and conviction.

“I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.  Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” Romans 12:1-2

What you put into your body will ultimately make of who you are.  If you are filling your body with, fried chicken, double cheeseburgers, fries, chocolate cake, and soda everyday, you will be overweight and unhealthy that will lead to various health issues, but a balanced diet with healthy eating will put your body into optimal condition to perform at its highest level (how is your new year’s resolution going?).

I believe your mind operates in a similar way, whatever you are putting in will ultimately make of who you are. If your priority is with worldly issues, it will ultimately dominate your thoughts that could lead to anxiety, stress and feeling of uncertainty, but if your chief concern is to know God and His Word as your greater priority, you will be able to make sense of the world through the biblical worldview, making sense of the world through His eyes rather than your own.

I plead to you, do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind through God’s Holy Word.  JY