– Shine Bright in Darkness continues… –
If you missed the first part of this blog, Love Your Brothers and Sisters, please read it when you can.
Let me start off by saying that I don’t think that I’m holier than. More than anything, I feel that we should not just practice, but prioritize uplifting, encouraging, and supporting others instead of criticizing and ridiculing them. As you may recall from “Love your Brothers and Sisters,” my belief is that no one has the right to judge another person. We, all, are striving to make it through this word called “life.”
Now that I have made my public announcement 😊, let’s delve into the second thing I feel is essential in our everyday spiritual journey.
Love not this world, and don’t indulge in its pleasures.
This is easier said than done, especially in this era of pervasive technology and social media. However, we must fight with all our might not to be tempted by the allure of the world’s distractions and temptations. Remember, we’re in this together. United, we can encourage and motivate each other to fight the good fight. Who knows, maybe if we make a change, we will see a change.
It’s incredibly challenging to resist the temptations of this world. But, the Good News is that Jesus Christ sacrificed His life so that we may have salvation, and by the Holy Spirit’s strength, we can fight against all temptations. We can choose to hate the evils of this world and strive for a more Godly life. The power to do so lies within us. It requires constant vigilance, self-reflection, and a commitment to spiritual values.
Matthew 6:24 tells us, ‘No man can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other…’ This verse reminds me that we cannot serve God and the world. We must choose which path we will follow, knowing that our choice determines the course of our actions and the alignment of our hearts.
Let’s take a moment to understand sin. The Bible defines sin as the transgression of the law. In simpler terms, James 4:17 says, ‘Therefore, to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him, it is a sin.’ We are living in a time where acts that were once considered sinful are now legal or acceptable in this world. They are becoming part of our everyday norm. It’s crucial to recognize these acts for what they are, and to understand the implications they have on our spiritual journey.
I can remember when most television shows and movies were rated PG-13, with some PG shows. The ones that should only be viewed by a mature audience, the rated R films (nudity, sex, profanity, explicit lyrics, and violent content), weren’t shown until late at night. I remember having to sneak up to watch specific rap videos on BET and MTV at night, namely Too Short! LOL! Man! It’s an eye-opener to realize how much has changed. I have difficulty understanding why more parents are not speaking out or are concerned with some of the content readily accessible to children.
A Hidden Thought: Is social media becoming the new age pimp? Show your tail, and you may make some money. If you are not selected by the masses today, return and keep parading yourself. What people do and say on social media is unbelievable for attention and money. Some of it is downright disgraceful and disrespectful. Social media needs us for them to be successful. Maybe they will pay you, or perhaps they want. But what are you willing to give up earning a dollar? Hmm, it’s just me sharing one of my random hidden thoughts.
🤔
On a serious note, I’m all for advancing technology, but not at the risk of losing God’s established standards and morals or the innocence of children. Don’t get me wrong. I’m not saying that technology and social media are inherently evil or sinful. It’s our responsibility to use them in a way that aligns with our spiritual values. Hence, why it is essential to establish spiritual values. We must be mindful of what we engage with, as it can lead us astray.
Romans 12:2, And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by renewing your mind, so that you may prove God's will, that which is good, acceptable, and perfect.
I’m neither perfect nor claim to be, but I try to follow God’s laws, the Ten Commandments. If you’re like me, you learned the Ten Commandments as a child. You were taught to obey them. I can remember repeating something to my son that my mother told my siblings and me: “If you lie, you’ll steal; if you steal, you’ll kill.” It sounds funny to assume a person would do all those things because they told a lie. Okay, let’s say it was a little extreme! LOL! But I understand what she was trying to convey. Small sins or harmless lies, as some say, can lead you into a world of sin. Some sins are easy to do but hard to undo. Trouble is easy to get into but hard to get out of. So now, I’m cautious about making sure my actions and decisions are not based on the desires of the flesh, the beauty that’s pleasing to the eyes, or selfish desires but that my choices are indeed something that will bring value to my life or the life of others.
1 John 2:15—17 — Love, not the world, nor the things that are in the world. If any man loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all in the world, the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life is not of the Father but the world. And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth forever.
I also realized the importance of establishing boundaries, values, morals, and self-control. I’m learning that it’s okay to say ‘no.’ No, I’m not going. No, you can’t have my number. No, that purchase is not needed. No, I’m not wasting my time on foolishness. This practice of self-control, setting boundaries, and saying ‘no’ can empower all of us, regardless of our spiritual journey or beliefs.
I’m observant of what my eyes see and cautious of what my ears hear. Recently, I started fast-forwarding past scenes I didn’t want to view when watching movies or sitcoms. It’s the little things that we can do to avoid temptations and stand on Godly principles. Just because society says certain things are okay doesn’t mean we must agree or engage in them. Thank God for his free will, which allows us to make our own decisions in life. It would be great to see more leaders instead of followers—people who are not afraid or ashamed to stand up for righteousness.
Don’t let people or society dictate what is true. We must learn to distinguish between the real and the fake. Deception comes in all shapes and sizes, from social media platforms to preachers in the pulpit. I have learned not to let anything, or anyone separate me from the love of God.
Remember, not every ring with a diamond appearance is authentic and valuable. Some of the same tests to determine if a diamond is genuine can be used to discern between the truth and deception.
If you hold a diamond under a lamp, you should see white shimmers and colorful light. The same test applies to truth and deception: Compare what you hear to God’s word. Does it align with the accuracy of God’s word? Remember, God’s word is not just a book but a lamp to our feet and a light to our path, guiding us toward truth and authenticity.
Imagine using a black light on a diamond to see if it glows blue. Let’s flip that. Are you shining brightly in darkness? What I mean is that you are someone who stands out because you’re not following the masses. Are you someone with morals, standards, and Godly principles that you’re not willing to compromise to fit in or be accepted by society?
Matthew 5:16 says, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
How do we live in this world without indulging in its pleasures? Focus your attention on God and not the things of this world. For what shall it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses his soul? I make a conscious effort to unplug from the world. I have reminders on my phone to pray, fast, and study the Word of God. I set reminders because the more I do it, the more it becomes a habit incorporated into my everyday life. I now spend less time on social media, watching TV and the news, talking on the phone, and more time praying, fasting, reading, and studying the Bible.
Philippians 4:8 – Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
Psalm 119:11 Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.
As you can tell, I love to write and share my thoughts and what works for me. My way is not the only way, but it’s what works for me. I hope that it can work for you. I desire that we all enjoy a peaceful life and receive all the blessings promised to us from the beginning of time.
But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
Matthew 6:33
I’ll finish up “Shine Bright in the Darkness” with #3 in my next post.
As always, stay in this journal with me!
Until next time, peace and blessings!