You Have Been Set Apart

You have been saved by faith alone.

Are we not blown away by what this truly means? Or are we complacent in life tuning out the resounding convictions of our hearts, ignoring the inner voice of the Spirit, deaf to what we do not want to hear?

"Because those who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God." Romans 8:14

For many years I turned away from God and conformed to the world, shutting out everything holy. It started when I was about 14 or maybe before then. I was guided by a ridiculous need to fit in with my peers and be like them. I was quietly self-centered, and discontent. I was obsessed with outer beauty and of course never measured up. What should have disgusted me had become normal. I was a slave to the philosophy of the world. It only worsened until my early 20s when I realized that I was truly miserable. By the grace of Christ I was saved from the pit I had thrown myself into. My old self was nailed to the cross and I can celebrate the new me that actually wants to know God and please Him. Amazing grace is what that is.

I am now very aware of how easy it is to slip into the world’s way of thinking. It is enticing and very sneaky. It has slipped into my own life many times when I let my guard down, as something appearing harmless and fun… but the true philosophy behind it has nothing that glorifies God. I am finally beginning to understand the true meaning of putting on the full armor of God… I need the full armor of God every day.

I will make mistakes. I am beyond imperfect and I know that. What I’m talking about is a state of mind that strives to honor God, regardless of what my plans were.

"Therefore come out from them, and be separate, says the Lord." II Corinthians 6:17

I don't imagine this to be easy. Sometimes you won't fit in. Sometimes just doing what you're doing ruffles everyone's feathers. I am not talking about something specific. I am talking about anything in life that we at some point realize does not glorify God, denying ourselves and taking up our cross and asking Him, what do you have for me? I am yours.

It might mean going completely against what the culture of the world expects.

"Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will." Romans 12:2

God speaks to the Israelites repeatedly about their being Set Apart for Him:

“You must not live according to the customs of the nations I am going to drive out before you. Because they did all these things, I abhorred them. You are to be holy to me because I, the LORD, am holy, and I have set you apart from the nations to be my own.” Leviticus 20:23,26

YOU have been Set Apart.

If we really believe that the Spirit of God is ALIVE in us—which is true for those who believe in Him— shouldn’t we strive to bring honor to him in all we do? We have been Set Apart to be known by Him... and it's really not about us at all.

We don't have to be afraid to be different; we are called to be different.

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There is 'no condemnation' for those who are in Christ Jesus.... and nothing can separate us from his love. That is the beautiful beginning and end of Romans chapter 8 and how can I not be overwhelmed by such a loving God. I see a beautiful picture painted of life led by the Spirit... Take out the 'me' and let Christ do the leading. Surrender. I really hope that what I am trying to say makes sense.