Divinely Different
A life following Jesus will be marked by holy practices, constant praise, a pure heart, patient prayer, and a focus on purpose over pain.
“You must not do as they do in Egypt, where you used to live, and you must not do as they do in the land of Canaan, where I am bringing you. Do not follow their practices. You must obey my laws and be careful to follow my decrees. I am the Lord your God. Keep my decrees and laws, for the person who obeys them will live by them...Do not defile yourselves in any of these ways, because this is how the nations that I am going to drive out before you became defiled.”
Leviticus 18:3-5, 24, 30
Until Jesus comes back, there is going to be a difference between the world's practices and God's expectations. The natural question is to ask is how do we differentiate between what is common and what is from Christ? God shows us how to be aware and avoid the pitfalls of popular culture.
How? He gives us the Bible, other believers, and our best friend, the Holy Spirit. God wants us to avoid being defiled. Defiled can be understood as polluted, profane or apart from God. Is there anywhere in your life that you sound, act, or think like popular culture?
“For great is your love, higher than the heavens; your faithfulness reaches to the skies. Be exalted, O God, above the heavens; let your glory be over all the earth. Save us and help us with your right hand...With God we will gain the victory"
Psalms 108:4-6, 12-13
God wants to teach us that we were made to praise. We praise God for who He is, all He has done, and all He will do. If you are feeling down praise will lift you up. If you are experiencing joy, praise will lift you higher. One of the best ways to love those around you is to allow them to hear the praise that comes from a person devoted to the Lord. How will you praise the Lord today?
“Free yourself, like a gazelle from the hand of the hunter, like a bird from the snare of the fowler. There are six things the Lord hates, seven that are detestable to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are quick to rush into evil, a false witness who pours out lies and a person who stirs up conflict in the community.”
Proverbs 6:5, 16-19
Isn't it helpful to know the things that God does not like so you can avoid them? One of the kindest things that Lord does is help us avoid the practices that can derail our lives. Why does God hate each of these things? He hates them because they come from a defiled heart and they destroy relationships. God wants to teach us how to love Him and love others.
God wants to purify your heart, mind, and soul as you allow Him to make you new. Is there anything you are doing that reflects an impure heart? Are you doing anything you know the Lord does not like? Why?
“Pray that the Lord your God will tell us where we should go and what we should do.” Ten days later the word of the Lord came to Jeremiah. ‘If you stay in this land, I will build you up and not tear you down; I will plant you and not uproot you...I will show you compassion so that he will have compassion on you and restore you to your land.”
The life devoted to the Lord is marked by prayer. Any good relationship involves listening, talking, and spending time together. What happens when we listen to God? We hear the voice of truth guide us to peace and healing.
Prayer requires patience. Are you willing to wait on the Lord? In this passage, the people needed help and wanted prayer. Did you notice that it took ten days before they heard back? With whatever you are facing, are you willing to pray and wait for ten days for an answer? God has plans and will answer prayer for those who will wait on Him.
Jeremiah 42:2-3, 7, 10-12
“I served the Lord with great humility and with tears and in the midst of severe testing by the plots of my Jewish opponents...And now, compelled by the Spirit, I am going to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there. I only know that in every city the Holy Spirit warns me that prison and hardships are facing me. However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me...the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace...In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.”
Acts 20:16, 19, 22-24, 27-28, 32-33, 35
Paul has found such freedom in His life by doing all that God taught Him to do. He does God's will not what is found in popular culture. He praises God for all He has done and will do. He avoids the pitfalls and desires to help bring purity to others. He prays constantly and trusts completely willing to lay down his life for the purposes set before him. In all this, Paul has developed the mind of a servant of Christ. His hope is in the eternal promises of the Lord and that hope drives him forward despite the head winds of persecution that he knows he will face.
What is your mindset today? Did you think life would be easy and that following Jesus would increase your comfort? Are you surprised when hard times comes, there is relational conflict, or circumstances seem bleak? Consider looking at Paul's example and remembering how God is teaching you to walk in your new kingdom identity. This identity is divinely different. Following Jesus should cause tension with the life you have lived and the world around you. Listen to Paul's advice and count your old life worth nothing as you run the race that Jesus has set before you. A race marked by godly practices, exalted praise, practicing purity, constant prayer, and meaningful purpose found in Christ.