HOW?

How can we live a separated, holy life when everything around us is working to draw us away from the ways of the Lord?

Many times over the years I have talked with individuals who were struggling with living out their faith in God. They will typically tell me how difficult it is in their circumstances, as if they are somehow unique, facing temptations that are more challenging than others face.

First of all, this simply is not true! The Bible plainly tells us that there is no temptation that we will ever face that is uncommon to humanity! We all face extreme challenges to our faith!

What I usually find in talking with these people is that they are making little,if any, real effort to live a separated lifestyle! They want to hang with a worldly crowd, keep consuming the same worldly entertainment, simply attempting to add Jesus to their old lifestyle! That will never work!

So, how can we walk in victory over the world, the flesh and the devil?

As in all things, Jesus Christ is our ultimate example! We read, in Hebrews 12:2, that He endured being tempted in all points such as we are, for the joy that was set before Him!

In other words, He kept His eyes on the goal! His mind and heart were filled with the joys which awaited Him st the end of His earthly sojourn!

Paul tells us in Colossians 3:2 that we are to set our minds on things above, on Heavenly things, not on the things of this world.

So the answer to the question of "How?" is this: Make a full commitment to the Lord and to the things of God! Abide in the word and let the word abide in you (John 15:7). Think often about what awaits you at the end of this journey. Separate yourself from carnal things that will most assuredly entangle you. "Press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 3:14).

The more that you focus upon and commit to the things of God, the more estranged you will find that you are from the weights and the sins that so easily beset us.

The goal is drawing nearer with each passing moment! Press on! It will be worth it all!

God Bless