We all have that story where our character was tested. Back in that one college course, at that one job, with that one friend. You hold that story close to you, scared to confide in someone, scared to even admit it to yourself. The temptation to sin was all too real.
Whether you felt the pressure to join in on the gossip, think ill of someone, or tell a white lie, our inner conversation is the same. Do we do this thing and sin? Or do we resist the very real temptation and do the right thing?
For today's blog post, I'm sharing some helpful Bible verses to bolster your confidence and remind you of Jesus' way of life. Living in alignment with the Gospel is never easy, never the cultural norm, but it is possible (and very much worth it!)
1. Ground Yourself in Scripture (Daily!)
"All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work." ~ 2 Timothy 3:16-17
To stand firm in the Gospel, you must go to the source of love and light. As this verse says, the Bible is a gift from God. It's an incredible resource given to us for our benefit. Consider this your life manual.
To navigate life's many ups and downs, especially the downs, this handy piece of literature provides insight into God's truth. The next time you don't know what to do, turn to Scripture, whether that's by listening to a Christian podcast or opening the Bible itself.
Look to the Bible to read accounts of Christians faced with a hard decision. For example, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in the book of Daniel. There's much to be learned from their courage and trust in the Lord.
2. Look Long-Term
"But you, take courage! Do not let your hands be weak, for your work shall be rewarded." ~ 2 Chronicles 15:7
Whatever God says is for our benefit, whether we realize it or not. When He instructs us to love our enemies, this isn't some ancient, outdated law that only benefits God. No, this is for our souls, as well. Why? Because the Lord's will for our lives will always be perfect, will always be for our betterment. After all, His will is for us to become more and more like Him. What's better than that?
This is why I urge you to look long-term when faced with a hard decision. Do the results outweigh the instant, short-lived gratification? Whatever sin you indulge in, no matter how "small," has a drastic effect on your soul. Over time, this can compound and become a real problem without you even realizing it!
Weigh the short and long-term benefits, LiF sisters. Seek to speak words of truth and love, rather than tearing others down for your own benefit. Are these few minutes of gossip worth the many minutes of guilt later on down the road?
3. Turn Off All Distractions
"Jesus answered him, “If anyone loves me, he will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him." ~ John 14:23
It's far too easy to get swept away by the cultural norms that surround us, right? From the tv shows we watch to the coworkers and friends we surround ourselves with, we're more influenced by our environment than we'd like to believe. That's why it's crucial to be highly sensitive to your daily life.
Notice when you begin to feel temptations to sin around certain people, or when you follow certain people on social media. All of these things matter, even though they may seem small. I encourage you to be rooted in Scripture and check-in with Jesus throughout the day. Whether you're working a busy day job or you're a stay-at-home mom, we can all use some Jesus time as our true north.
When you have these moments with God, try your best to remove yourself from any sort of distraction. Turn off your phone. Go for a walk. Whatever this means for you, incorporate this restful rhythm into your daily routine.
Faith Is Always In Style
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