There is a divine tension for the child of God who wants to please Him. We are commanded to “Go into all the world,” in Mark 16:15 ESV, yet warned “Do not be conformed to this world”, in Romans 12:2 ESV. This leads to many extremes. On the one hand, some run away from the world and act as if they are afraid to be in it. Others turn to worldliness as a life pattern. So how can we be “the light of the world” as stated in Matthew 5:14 ESV, yet not be worldly ourselves? Proverbs 2:11 ESV reveals the answer: “discretion will watch over you, understanding will guard you". Like a fireman’s hazmat suit, discretion can protect us within a hazardous environment while empowering us to enter danger zones to fulfill our duty to help others. LORD help me walk in the world but not walk like the world. Grant me good discernment, discretion, and deliverance from evil while “overcoming evil with good”.
A serious pursuit of godliness requires an equally serious renunciation of worldliness. Too often, we measure spirituality with false scales. While being wisely selective with our public vices we are less so with our private attitudes and perspectives. In reality, it is the thoughts and intents of the heart where the greatest battles must be waged; our actions will ultimately align with the condition of our hearts. Lord God, You know me inside out, You are not fooled by human facades. Plow my heart with Your Word and Spirit and leave nothing unturned. Refresh my inward man that I may outwardly glorify You in all places at all times.
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