Especially when you have come from the world quite worldly, then, you give your life to CHRIST JESUS, BECAUSE it means DYNAMIC change, and changing, which sets people off, as they simply, don't, or won't get HOW you could drastically alter your existence that you would no longer find the world, and the worldly, appealing, or comfortable!!!
AH, THE LORD makes all the difference! WHEN we are SINCERE in GIVING our hearts TO HIM, there IS a commanding, and compelling change, NOT that we have changed so much yet, but that HE IS NOW ACTIVELY working IN us, then THROUGH us, and bit by bit, THE PROCESS broadens, and without even being fully aware, we are different; we CAN SEE what we never saw before, and SENSE what we never sensed before, and LIVE as we never did before, albeit in all of this, we might be shunned, spurned, and rejected by many; but we are NOT alone, and the most remarkable aspect is that, where there might be hurt, there is instead, a CONCERN for everyone else, because we KNOW THE TRUTH...
I remember when I first received THE LORD FOR REAL, I told certain people that I did, and that I wouldn't be doing this, or that anymore, and they said, "Why would you do that"? They were SERIOUSLY upset that I would be giving up what they consider normal, and/or natural! I knew then that something greater was at work, and that *GOD* was now, my focus, and motivation. They looked at me as if I had turned into a freak or something, and that was the end of our relationship(s)! It kind of bothered me, yet, it also, pointed me to a BETTER WAY...
Honestly, there are times when I miss certain aspects of those days, but I am NOT willing to backslide, or be foolish enough to believe that I could have it both ways, SO, I have learned to forge onward, and not look back much, as THE LORD IS THE GREATEST LOVE of my life, and so, I am loyal, faithful, and as adherent as is feasible, in the best of my understanding, and capacity as I am learning, and growing INTO HIM...
1 PETER 4: 3-4...
3+++For you have spent enough time in the past carrying out the same desires as the Gentiles: living in debauchery, lust, drunkenness, orgies, carousing, and detestable idolatry.
4+++In all this, they are surprised that you do not run with them into the same excesses of dissipation, and they malign you;
Temptations could not prevail, were it not for man's own corruption; but true Christians make the will of God, not their own lust or desires, the rule of their lives and actions. And true conversion makes a marvellous change in the heart and life. It alters the mind, judgment, affections, and conversation. When a man is truly converted, it is very grievous to him to think how the time past of his life has been spent. One sin draws on another. Six sins are here mentioned which have dependence one upon another. It is a Christian's duty, not only to keep from gross wickedness, but also from things that lead to sin, or appear evil. The gospel had been preached to those since dead, who by the proud and carnal judgment of wicked men were condemned as evil-doers, some even suffering death. But being quickened to Divine life by the Holy Spirit, they lived to God as his devoted servants. Let not believers care, though the world scorns and reproaches them.
You see? It IS part of THE PROCESS of BEING MADE WHOLE, and HOLY, FOR HIS GLORY, and the TRUTH defeating the enemy(ies)! WHEN your heart HAS PROVEN you TRUE, this IS part of that which SEPARATES you from the world, and SHOWS you HAVE nailed the 'old self'' TO the cross! IT IS WONDERFUL, despite being disturbing, and that only because it IS WAY different than the past!!!
Family, friends, acquaintances, and even strangers, WILL have some reaction to your change, or 'newness', EVEN to the point of persecution, which FURTHER confirms we are OF THE LORD! While it might be uncomfortable, or painful at times, IT IS REASON TO REJOICE, and take to the heart, indeed!!!
WHEN THE HOLY SPIRIT RESIDES IN YOU, you WILL KNOW IT; there are diverse indications, and IS a cause for celebration!!!
This old world IS a PROVING ground for the RIGHTEOUSNESS OF THE LORD *GOD*, thus, HIS people, AS they are SHOWN distinct, set side by side, with those of the world! It IS tangible while being intangible, and IS KNOWN while being unseen...
TRULY, suffering IS elementary TO our ONENESS WITH CHRIST JESUS, our LORD, and SAVIOUR, but the tenor of suffering ALSO, changes, because after the initial shock of affliction, we UNDERSTAND WHY such occurs, and will continue to, UNTIL ALL people TURN TO HIM!!!
We are NOT OF this world, we ARE OF THE LORD *GOD* ALMIGHTY; citizens of HEAVEN, a PECULIAR, and HOLY people, CHOSEN FOR HIM, HIS WILL, and HIS GLORY, as well as the good of those lost in this realm! Therefore, WHY should we ALLOW the resistance against us to affect us? There is NO shame in BEING WHOM *GOD* CREATED us TO BE! Let us be GLAD, PRAY, PRAISE, WORSHIP, and HONOUR OUR LORD, as we KEEP THE FAITH, REMAIN FAITHFUL, STAND IN LOVE, and KEEP HEADING HOME!!!
LWINSOR © 2019
BIBLICAL, and/or other references marked BOLDLY IN COLOURS
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