SCRIPTURE: Job 35-36; 1 Cor. 7-8

1 Cor 7:23-24
All of you, slave and free both, were once held hostage in a sinful society. Then a huge sum was paid out for your ransom. So please don’t, out of old habit, slip back into being or doing what everyone else tells you. Friends, stay where you were called to be. God is there. Hold the high ground with him at your side.

OBSERVATIONS: Habits are hard to break. Especially the old, sinful habits that feel good and cause us to feel like we fit in with our friends. But that is the same as being held hostage.

APPLICATION: Stand strong. Ignore the world’s encouragement to go along in order to get along. Find friends who wait for the voice of the Lord as you know you should.

PRAYER: God, I’m wondering why the desire to be “popular” and “liked” has any traction compared to my need to be loved and respected by you. I know that you love me unconditionally, but your respect for my behavior depends solely upon my obedience. Help me to hear your voice and to shut out the voice of the world. Through Christ, Amen.