Being ‘bout that life

By: Monique Smith

Let’s dive in.

“For there has already been enough time spent in doing what the pagans choose to do: carrying on in unrestrained behavior, evil desires, drunkenness, orgies, carousing, and lawless idolatry. So they are surprised that you don’t plunge with them into the same flood of wild living---and they slander you. (1 Peter 4:3-4).

We know that as a Christian, we have to give up A LOT of things that we once enjoyed. As we mature in Christ, things that once seemed very innocent and harmless to us, actually begins to convict us. Of course, to the ‘world’ we look foolish and we are so called “missing out on life”, but this is not true. To us, we know and understand the desires that Christ has for us, and we know that in order to fulfill our purpose in life, we can’t be “bout that life” any more. We’ve spent enough time being ratchet and out of control. So with that, like I stated earlier, we look foolish. People are shocked when we, as young college students/recent graduates, don’t participate in “normal” young people lifestyles. For example, today on my college tour with my students, some guys were completely amazed and shocked that I don’t use profanity! They swore that I was lying! People don’t believe us when we say we don’t want to club, drink, or party with the rest of them, and of course they pick on us and try to call us “whack” because we ‘have no life’. BUT, “If you are ridiculed for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you.” (1 Peter 4:14).” Who CARES if people pick on you when you have the SPIRIT of GLORY and of GOD resting on you?! HUH? I would take that any day! And I do! What a privilege!! And we get all of that, by simply being obedient to God. So I encourage y’all to standout from the crowd and stay committed to your relationship with Christ. People will always talk about you, if you join in with them or not. So be yourself and be who God has already called you to be.

Prayer: Lord! You are great! You are marvelous! Thank you for your love! God, I pray that each beautiful person who is reading this becomes more consistent with his or her commitment to a “God First” lifestyle. Where we put the opinions of God first and not bend and give in to peer pressure. Lord thank you so much for rewarding us for standing out for you and for your precious spirit. Let us take confidence in your Word! We love you! In Jesus name! Amen!

If you haven’t heard this song. Check it out. It’s a huge encouragement on those days when being “left out” from the crowd gets you down.

“Sitting with me” by Mary Mary - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P8U4pnckE2w