Revitalizing - Revitalize means to renew somebody or something: to give new life or energy to somebody or something. This time of year is a time of renewal and new life. The trees are budding; bulbs are opening up to bright vibrant colors; the grass is greener…there is definitely a change in nature. Things are looking brighter!
When I accepted Christ as my Saviour October 1997, I was given new life. II Corinthians 5:17 “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.“ What a blessing! I definitely don’t want my old life back. When you read God’s Word it WILL change you. You will continually be renewed and refreshed.
A couple Sunday’s ago I found myself in the middle of a ‘heated’ conversation with one of my neighbors initially and then the other neighbor lady came out to join in -- they were both ‘throwing’ stones at our family. (and I believe it was set up) I regret the discussion ever occurred in front of our girls--but at the same time it was the perfect time to explain to them when you desire to live right, others aren’t going to like it when they don‘t share the same desire. It makes them uncomfortable to be around you. Oh, I repeatedly assured both neighbors I wasn’t perfect, nor was anyone in our family, but because we desire to be different from the world---in our dress, our talk, our walk, our lifestyle---we do stick out like sore thumbs.
II Corinthians 6:17a says, “Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate…” As Christian ladies, we are to live a separated life from the world.
Oh, it was hurtful in some regards but at the same time helpful spiritually because I was glad that someone recognized that we do desire to be different -- not better than, or perfect but different for the cause of Christ and our testimony for Him. I can almost guarantee that if we lived liked the world this conversation would have never occurred.
How can we, as Christians, be a light when we desire to be no different than the world? We have to be different. That doesn’t mean we go around with our heads down, “Woe, is me” attitude -- but they should look at us and see a love the world doesn’t know; a kind of dress that doesn’t glorify our bodies and perverts men’s thinking, but honors the Lord; a kind of spirit that doesn’t blow up at every little thing that comes our way but has a heart full of Christ‘s love. I have learned through situations we’ve recently faced - prayer works more wonders than my throwing an attitude! (even though I struggle with that from time to time)
May our hearts desire be to show forth our revitalized life in Christ so others can see Christ in and through us each day we walk with Him. This world is desperately in need of some Christian ladies who desire to be different. Let’s allow our new life in Christ to shine forth for HIS honor and glory!!!!!!
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