Most people put a lot of effort into being like others around them. We also tend to follow the thoughts or opinions of society threw television, movies, books and the internet. People just have a natural tendency to just want to fit in.

But, as believers we are under particular scrutiny, especially by people who do not share our faith.

We should be Holy because we should reflect God's character, He is our heavenly father, He has created us, He has chosen us as His own, therefore we should be Holy because He wants us to be like Him.

So instead of trying to fit into society we should be concentrating our efforts on fitting into God's plan and likewise getting others to fit into His plan as well.

1st Corinthians 10:31-32 "Therefore whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. Give no offence, either to the Jews, or to the Greeks, or to the church of God."

God wants us to take seriously the privilege of representing Christ in our homes, communities, and workplaces.

But the question is why are we more likely to be more concerned about what others might think or say about us if we stand up for God in these situations?

What we lack in most cases is a healthy fear of God. This fear of the Lord would enable us to resist sin as well as risk the wrath and ridicule of the unbelievers and the wicked who take up most of the common views in our society, which are contrary to what we believe.

That fear of the lord will give us courage, direction, and motivation to make tough choices and live with Godly behavior despite the consequences brought to us by the wicked.

We know from scripture that God is a God of love who shows mercy to sinners but the book of psalms indicates that He hates people who commit iniquity and wickedness.

God definitely gets angry at sin that injures and destroys His creation, but God's righteousness is not a fit of anger. It is rather a carefully considered application of a just disapproval and penalty against wrong doing.

In fact if you give up sin to the best of your ability the lord will honor your prayer's more, show you more miracles, and bless you more often than not.

Isaiah 59:1-2 "Behold, the LORD'S hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither his ear heavy, that it cannot hear: But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear.

He takes our sin seriously; therefore, we need to take His Holiness seriously. Delight in God's law, meditate and commit to God's ways.

This includes defending God and making a stand against anyone who would have us do otherwise. Which also includes mom, dad, brother, sister, best friend, teacher, and so on and so forth. Take a look at what Jesus has to say about this.

Matthew 10:34-36 "Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword. For I am come to set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter in law against her mother in law. And a man's foes shall be they of his own household."

But Wait, Jesus also goes on to say the following.

Matthew 10:37-38 He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me.

Those who wish to take up their cross and follow Jesus must pay the price of repentance.

Repentance is merely saying "I am sorry for my sins" and actually meaning it. It may also be accomplished by tears and a sad countenance but true repentance means turning from wicked ways, from thoughts or acts that displease God and turning toward a life that reflects Godly ways.

Psalms 5:4. "For You are not a God who takes pleasure in wickedness, nor shall evil dwell with You."

It's common today for us to excuse our faults with the attitude, "Nobody's perfect" or say "God will forgive me of my sins". While these are true and can be used to argue a point of no one person being better than another no matter how good they think they are, because "All fall short of the glory of God". It should not be used as an excuse to continue sinning if you understand what you are doing is wrong.

Most importantly, try to be strong and deligent in keeping God's word and don't let anyone change your mind concerning the doing of God's will because your salvation may depend on it.

David Hopkins is a "Christian Article Writer" who specializes in helping people remember to glorify God in everything that they do, so they don't miss out on any of His wonderful blessings.

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