Rise Above the Noise: Putting God First in a World That Says Otherwise

As a Christian, one of the hardest things you can go through is figuring out how to let go of the world and stand up for God. Over the past few years, I have dealt with this first hand and I will tell you, it's not easy at all. The world and its ways are all we've ever known since we were babies. We grow accustomed to what we are given and I don't necessarily believe that it's a bad thing, to enjoy life and what it has to offer.

I mean, God did create all of these beautiful things for us to experience. But there is a reason we are told to stand apart from the world. Be in the world, but do not be of the world. I think about this daily, because it's a wonderful reminder to keep what truly matters (GOD) on top of our priority list. You may be wondering where in the good book it says this. Well, I will give you a few examples that I have found and I recommend doing your own research about it as well.

“And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” Romans 12:2

“If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you.”

“If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you.” John 15: 18-19

“Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.” 1 John 2:15

“Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.” Colossians 3:2

We are loved and cherished, and the guidelines we're given are put in place to protect us from the evil that surrounds us. There is a reason for everything, as corny as that sounds. If you're curious about how to apply the concept of setting yourself apart from the world, I'd like to share some things that I find useful. One way to start is by reading your Bible and understanding God's intentions for our lives. I've found that when I'm facing challenges, I find many of my answers through verses I come across.

While some may caution against "cherry picking" the Bible, I'd like to elaborate on what I mean by this approach. I come across a Bible verse that speaks to me and I take the time to read the entire book where it was found. Understanding the context and origin of the verse is crucial. Also, just because a part is directed towards someone else in the Bible doesn't mean it can't be relevant to my life. As I always remind myself, not all is to us but all is for us. Remember that.

Throughout scripture, you can find numerous examples of how to live a fulfilling life, including acts of kindness, righteous judgement, and more. Whether it's navigating daily decisions or larger life choices, God's word provides guidance. However, we must acknowledge that even with our best efforts, we will inevitably fall short. It's in these moments of imperfection that we rely on His grace, a reminder that God's love and mercy extend to us even in our failures.

While it's difficult to completely separate from the world, you can try your best by making good choices about your surroundings and habits. This may involve avoiding harmful influences, such as certain music, shows, or company, and instead embracing good habits and healthy relationships. Standing up for what's right and being a light in a dark world is a great way to live. There are so many people who choose to walk away from people in need.

It's easy to get caught up in our own struggles and forget about the needs of others. But as the Bible reminds us, “Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.” Philippians 2:3 This verse is a powerful antidote to the self-absorption of today. In a time where it's self love above all else, putting others first (after God) is a great choice to distance yourself from the ways of this world. It's also such a beautiful thing to help those in need. Don't you think?

Here comes a hard to handle truth, you need to know that not everyone will understand or support your decisions. You may face the loss of loved ones, whether it's family or friends. While it's true that losing loved ones can be heart breaking, it's essential to note that God comes first above all. That means our friends and family! When we come to terms with this reality, we can begin to grow and flourish in our faith. I've had personal experiences where friends who initially distanced themselves due to my faith later returned, expressing their newfound commitment to Christ.

While this isn't always the case, it can bring a sense of hope and encouragement during those difficult times. When it comes to family, this separation can be particularly challenging. The bond with family is often very strong and unbreakable, and this can make it hard to accept that we will experience heartache and disappointment from them. Your family members, despite their importance to you, will not always be available or supportive.

This leads me to ponder why we often place more trust in our relationships with people rather than in the one who made us. God is always faithful and present, especially in times of sorrow. Yet, we find it super easy to muster courage and strength to stand up for our loved ones who frequently let us down. You would think that we could do the same for God, He never lets us down. I am determined to stand firm in my faith and boldly say the name of Jesus. I will not be swayed by the trends or influences of those around me, but instead, I will strive to remain steadfast in my devotion to Him.

I will try to resist the temptation to conform to the world's standards and instead, choose to align myself with God's will, trusting that His presence will guide me through life's challenges. When I fail, I will not be discouraged or afraid, but instead, I will draw strength from the knowledge that I am saved! “Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.” Joshua 1:9

You know, we should all ask ourselves if we are putting God first or if the world is taking center stage. If we find that we put the world first, it's an opportunity to change the way we approach our day to day lives. I like to take a moment to pause and reflect on what truly matters. I ask myself: is it my need for comfort, someone else's, or God's will? This mindfulness helps me stay grounded and make decisions that align with my values.

Now, I encourage all of you to take a moment to breathe and think about what I said today. Do you truly put God first in your life or do your desires come before Him? It can be hard to think about and the answer could surprise you. May y'all find the courage to stand up for what is right and have faith despite all of the troubles you face. If anyone has prayer requests, please send me a message through the contact page. I am here for you! Have a wonderful week, lovely ladies!