Worldy influence & opinions

I know I shouldn’t, but I often find myself seeking the opinion and approval of others.  It’s really hard not to, though.  But as a Christian, my main focus should be on living my life according to God’s will, no matter what people, however well-meaning, may have to say.

I am in the midst of a situation that a lot of people, including some Christians, would have washed their hands of a long time ago.  Me, I’m still hanging in there, trying to do the right thing, what I believe God would have me to do.  It’s so hard, though, especially when people constantly ask me why I continue to put up with what I put up with, and then they proceed to tell me how they would handle the situation and encouraging me to do the same.

I admit there are many days I feel like an idiot for putting up with all the heartache and pain that I go through.  But I do it all for a greater purpose, and that is to please God.

Romans 12:2 (NKJV) 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.”

I also live this way because on that last and final day, I want to be able to hear my Father say, “well done good and faithful servant”.  Heaven is my goal.  If I have to be ridiculed along the way, and put up with heartache and strife then so be it.  I don’t know the mind of God, nor will I (or any of us) ever, but I know what I read in His word, and I try to live exactly as has been instructed.  If I’m wrong, I know that God will show me the error of my ways.  But for now, I will continue to live by the word of God.  I will seek His guidance by prayer and supplication and study of His word.

I want to leave you with one last verse to reflect on during times of doubt:

“God knows the plans He has for us; plans to prosper us and not to harm us, plans to give us hope and a future.” (Jeremiah 29:11).