Are You Listening to the Lord

We often face the challenge of choosing between God's word and what the world tells us.

In Romans 12:2 Got tells us:  "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." This verse calls for a transformation that begins in the mind, urging us to seek God's will rather than the world.

God says in 1 John 2:15-17, "Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them. For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world. The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever." This passage highlights the nature of worldly desires and the eternal significance of obedience to God.

Conforming to the world often means adopting values and behaviors that go against God’s teachings (Acts 5:29). This comes in various forms, such as the pursuit of material wealth, immoral activities, and the placing self above others. The pressure to conform can be immense, especially in a world that increasingly values immediate gratification and self-centeredness.

James 4:4 makes a stark comparison: "You adulterous people, don’t you know that friendship with the world means enmity against God? Therefore, anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God." This verse serves as a warning against divided loyalty and the consequences of compromising one's faith for worldly acceptance.

Obedience to God's word requires a deliberate and conscious effort to live in accordance with Biblical principles. This involves regular engagement with scripture, prayer, and fellowship with other believers. Psalm 119:105 states, "Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path," describing the role of scripture in a believer's life.

Furthermore, Jesus himself emphasizes the importance of obedience in John 14:15  "If you love me, keep my commands." This simple yet profound statement links love for Christ with adherence to his teachings, illustrating that true discipleship involves both belief and action.

Choosing to obey God's word over the world's should be our standard. It requires discernment, courage, and a deep-rooted belief in the eternal significance of God’s word. While the world offers temporary pleasures, true fulfillment and eternal life are found in obedience to God. As believers we are called to continually align our actions with the teachings of scripture, trusting in God's good, pleasing, and perfect will.

So, are you listening? What are you going to do about it?