This is the weekly email devotional of WhoUWith? Ministries
(2004)
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My family and I were treated to a trip to the
Chick-fil-a Peach Bowl this past weekend. Atlanta was packed with folks trying
to get to the game. At one point I found myself on a very small elevator with
Aimee (my wife), a friend and his 12-year-old daughter...and the most loud
talking man I had ever been around!
This human megaphone was on his
cell and began to use language that I wouldn't let my dog hear, let alone a
young child. I politely asked him to "settle down" that there was a child on
the elevator, however he not only continued, but took his verbal sewage to new
heights (or pits). I then told him to "cool it"; at which point he turned off
his phone and asked me, "What are you going to do about it?"
Did I
mention that is guy was rather large? The elevator reached its destination and
we all quickly exited. The man did not stick around for my answer (it is
probably a good thing, since I wasn't sure what that answer was going to be),
he headed in the opposite direction from us, mumbling something about me and
the college team he assumed I was there to support.
What does God's
Word say?:
And so, dear brothers and sisters,?? I plead with you to
give your bodies to God. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice-the kind he
will accept. When you think of what he has done for you, is this too much to
ask? Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform
you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will know what
God wants you to do, and you will know how good and pleasing and perfect his
will really is. Romans 12:1-2
I don't want anyone to
think that I'm some kind of bold crusader for Christ. There have been many
other similar situations where I didn't speak up and just "conformed to the
world". I'm not sure what compelled me to "offer my body as a living sacrifice"
in that elevator, but if I had it to do over again I would not change a thing.
Whether you are a teenager being challenged to give into peer
pressure...or an adult who is being asked to compromise your integrity in the
workplace...or a college student who is tired of everyone else having all the
"fun", there are times and places where you have to stand and be ready to fight
for your convictions or continue to give in and conform to a world that is
morally decaying each and every day.
I'm not advocating fighting. I'm
simply talking about taking a stand for Christ. I certainly fail in this area
more than I succeed, but my desire...my passion is to live for Christ. To be
shaped and molded by God and not this world. Yes, it is easier to just look
away and ignore what others are doing, but is that really what God calls us to
do. Well, what are you going to do about it?!
Just a thought!
www.whouwith.com
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