Get Above It
It is hard to turn on the TV these days or even scroll through Instagram and not be bombarded with terrible news. There is issue after issue and if we are not careful, we begin to partner with the spirit of offense. We begin to get angry with the injustices and, quite frankly, the absolute nonsense that is being shoved down our throats.
But how do we stay above it all and still engage? What is our part as believers?
I believe Romans 12:2 is a good place to start. It says, “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.”
This verse tells us the what (don’t be conformed to this world) and the how (by renewing your mind you will be transformed).
If you are not intentionally being discipled by Jesus, then you are unintentionally being discipled by the world. It is that simple.
If we are not letting our beliefs be shaped by the Word of God, then they will be shaped by what we listen to the most.
Turn off the outside noise, get into the secret place with God and ask Him what He thinks about these things.
I guarantee you, it will be different than what you are thinking about them. After all, His ways and thoughts are higher than ours. His perspective is bigger and better—and He always has a redemptive plan.
1 Corinthians 2:12a says, “Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God…”
This is an important distinction. There are two spirits at work here, the spirit of the world, and the Spirit who is from God. If we are not careful, we can partner with the wrong spirit.
This is why it is so important to stay planted and rooted in the Word of God. Stay connected to His presence. When you do that, you will find it easier to stay in the place of peace. Discouragement will start to fade away and it will be replaced with expectant hope.
As believers, we are not to bury our head in the sand and not engage in the current events. We are also not to get caught up in the whirlwind of emotions that the headlines elicit.
Instead, press pause—take a breath, and ask God how you are to respond and what your part is to play.
I want to close with this scripture. It is a great reminder of how we are to engage.
“For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ.”
-1 Corinthians 10:3-5
We do not war according to the flesh! There is a more effective way to battle. It starts by bringing your thoughts into captivity. Then, you begin to have clarity as how to move forward and engage in the culture war.
ACTIVATION:
Meditate on the above scriptures.
Repent for partnering with the wrong spirit, the spirit of the world.
And, for the love of all things holy…turn off the TV!!!!
