There are things in the world we would like to be different. We look around at the state of things and can become discouraged.

However, this can be an opportunity. 

First, we can remember that God is sovereign. The pages of Scripture bellow the wonderful almightiness of God. He is the same yesterday, today and forever. He is gracious and compassionate, and his kingdom rules over all.

Second, we can do some self-examination. Are we being like Christ, or have our lives started to reflect the values of our society instead of our Saviour?

We can’t expect the world to be different if we’re the same. 

If we want the world to be more truthful, we can’t really complain if our own lives aren’t more truthful. 

If we want the world to be more just, we can’t really complain if our own lives aren’t just. 

If we want the world to be more loving, we can’t really complain if our own lives aren’t loving. 

If we want the world to have more integrity, we can’t really complain if our own lives lack integrity.

You get the idea.

The word “Christian” means “of Christ.” With God’s help with stand in contrast to those parts of the world which are anti-God because we are for Christ. Philippians 2:5 offers a reminder: “In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus…” The apostle John says something similar in 1 John 2:6: “Whoever claims to live in him must live as Jesus did.” When it comes to attitudes and actions, we need to calibrate to Christ not culture.

It’s easy to get discouraged. But this can be an opportunity to remember the sovereignty and goodness of God, and also to engage in some self-examination. Are we being like Christ, or have our lives started to reflect the values of our society instead of our Saviour?

We can’t expect the world to be different if we’re the same.

Let’s strive for Christlikness.

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Notes:

-Bible quotes are from the NIV.