Conforming to the World

When you become a new Christian you become a new creation because of the sacrifice and love given to you personally from the Father and your Lord Jesus Christ. Now that your eyes have been opened to things that you never have seen before, or just ignored, it will be difficult to walk the path that you used to walk. Consider what Jesus told us: I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” ^{John 16:33} There will be those who accuse you of persecuting them and judging them, sometimes they will try to make you feel ashamed for the way you believe trying to make so there is doubt put in your mind. Be careful: Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. ^{1 Peter 5:8} Sometimes this happens because they see things in their life that convicts them deep in their heart and if it makes you question yourself it will somehow vindicate what they are feeling. If this happens, sometimes it will come from your closest friends and family, it becomes tough to follow and easy to just give up because you feel like you are turning your back on those who you respect and love the most: Then Jesus told his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. ^{Matthew 16:24} I know this seems, to some, like a ridiculous requirement but we need to always remember: “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself.” ^{Luke 10:27} With that in mind you can see what it means when He says that we must deny ourselves. If we do not deny ourselves we are loving ourselves more then we are trusting and loving God. This then leads to doubt, mistrust, and being deceived.