Who are you Living for?

In this day and age it's hard to go against the tide, and I mean truly go against the tide, not just say your an "unique individual" but still conform to everything around you with your actions, truly living a complete 180 from the "norm" (whatever normal is anyways) life. As followers of Christ we're that few percent that lives ( or tries anyways) in a completely different fashion from everyone else in this world. I don't know about you but it gets really tough at times. I'll admit it, I sometimes have to think twice when I get invited to a party, or out with some of my friends. It's easy to get lost in the glitter, sparkle, and excitement of an evening out when everyone is so pumped, but those are the times you have to remind yourself that you're not like everyone else. Yes the night seems exciting, but that is only because you haven't seen anyone puke yet, or do something stupid because their under the influence. It's easy to forget about the disappointment of the morning, in the excitement of the night. It's tough times of doubt like these that you bring out your encouraging encourager!

The line probably sounded really cheesy, and repetitive right? Well sorry, but you know sometimes the cheesiest things are the ones that stick. Anyways in my experience I've noticed that the best people to surround yourself with are those that can give you a boost when ever you feel for lack of a better term, "blah". I'm not saying that you should only surround yourself with people that have the gift of encouragement ( though having a friend with that gift definitely helps...trust me) but you should take special care in the people with whom you surround your self in. Another cheesy but true saying , good company corrupts good morals. No lie, if you start hanging out with people who only gossip, cause chaos, and get into trouble chances are their "upstanding" characteristics will eventually rub off on you. I understand that at times, all we want is to be in the" fun and popular "group, but you want to know a little secret? Your true friends, the ones that love you no matter what, and aren't afraid to tell you when you're wrong, that's the group to be in, that's the circle you should long to be a part of. That "popular" group is never having as much fun as they seem, their lives are too busy with drama for any real fun, they've forgotten what true friendship is, and they don't know what it really is to live a set apart, against the tide life.

Be careful with whom you associate yourself with. We can't ever forget that we are not of this world, so we shouldn't be out there trying to fit in, or conform to it's ridiculous standards. We serve, and represent a God who is so much Better than that, why would we want to tarnish His name, and His reputation with actions that are certainly not fit for a King, or His Children. So the next time a big party rolls around, or some gossip is being spread, or you feel left out of the "in" group ( whatever that means), remind yourself of the King you serve. Remind yourself of the fact that He loved you in your lowest times, and that He has certain expectations of us, not much, but expectations none the less, and as His children, and Image Bearers there is a certain way we should be acting. He thinks you're too die for! Live for Him, and leave the rest of the world behind.