I Don’t Want to Be Like Everyone Else

I’m doing a Bible study on James with some friends and read something that was pretty profound (down below, last paragraph). We ALL have those people who make us stumble — or maybe they simply share the same weakness and we find ourselves doing that which we don’t want to do — such as gossiping, coveting, etc. Misery loves company, right?

When we fall into that temptation, it’s hard to break away from what feels normal. Maybe you’re thinking — who really cares? THAT seems to be the problem. Who does care?

I don’t know about you, but I don’t want to settle for just an ordinary life. Sure, I fail. Every single day. But I’m not giving up.

Another book I’m reading has this subtitle, “Stop Settling for the Life You Have and Live the One Jesus Died to Give You” (Finding Deep & Wide, by Shellie Rushing Tomlinson). I guess that’s why I’m sharing this — to remind my friends that there IS more to life.

The following is an example of that strength God can give (when we accept it and not reject it) to overcome temptation. This applies to any situation we might face where we need to walk away from it. It’s never easy, but it’s worth it. He’s worth it.

“After Augustine was converted, a woman he had formerly lived with called to him as he walked down the street, but he did not answer. She persisted and finally ran up to him and said, ‘Augustine, it is I.” To which he replied, “I know, but it is no longer I.” (Excerpt from a study guide written by John MacArthur, James)

#bethechange