HAS THE WORLD BECOME YOUR HOME?

SCRIPTURE:
Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, 
but fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of 
his household, built on the foundation of the apostles and 
prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. 
(Ephesians 2:19-20)
 
MEDITATION:
Whenever you move to a new area, you have to make many adjustments, right?
Initially you feel as though you are a stranger, but you know that 
over time you will meet your neighbors and develop new friendships.
You begin to adapt to your new surroundings, 
but you still remain true to yourself in certain areas.

For instance, you might move into an area 
where few people attend church on a regular basis.
This is one area that you will not compromise 
or be influenced by the new friendships you have made. 
You might be in a new environment, but you still have 
the same relationship with the Lord you praise and worship.

It doesn’t mean you will not interact with the new people you meet, 
but you have a committed and lasting friendship with the Lord 
that you will not jeopardize by adapting to the habits of those around you.
You have learned from the Bible that whenever believers meet to praise and 
worship the Lord, together you become a temple where He meets with you all.
In him the whole building is joined together 
and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. (Ephesians 2:21)

The Bible has taught you the value of meeting with other believers 
and that God has commanded you to come to His house for corporate worship.
Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is 
faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love 
and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit 
of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the 
Day approaching. (Hebrews 10:23-25)

You also know that some Christians will begin to fall away 
and no longer ‘meet together’ on a regular basis.
Although it can be discouraging, this is an area where your faith 
will not allow you to be influenced by those around you.

The scriptures tell us that we become a ‘personal church’ 
in addition to our corporate worship with other believers. 
This means there are additional areas that you will not compromise 
because when you do, you know that you damage the environment 
where the Holy Spirit wants to live within you.
And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling 
in which God lives by his Spirit. (Ephesians 2:22)

ACTION:
Are there areas in your faith where you have allowed 
the influence of others to cause you to compromise your faith?
Are there some areas where you have allowed Satan to convince you 
that it is okay to ‘rewrite’ God’s commands to fit your own desires?
As a believer, you are a stranger in this world, 
but remain a friend to the Lord.
Honor your commitment to your friendship with Him through obedience.

Pray,
“Heavenly Father, I pray that You will help me to remain true to my 
faith and commitment to You. Prevent me from being influenced by 
those who have compromised their faith, and help me to resist the lies 
of Satan who wants to damage my relationship with You. Help me to 
provide an environment within myself that is an attractive residence 
for the Holy Spirit. Forgive me for allowing others to influence my 
faith negatively and help me to recommit myself to You and Your 
commands.”