1 Timothy 6:11 But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness.

This is a restating of Romans 12:2, specifically aimed at someone who was already committed to serving God. “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” Paul has just been talking about the way many people in the world are, and is telling Timothy, “Don’t you be like that.” We are quick to excuse ourselves by looking at the people around us and saying, to ourselves at any rate, “I’m no different, and certainly no worse, than they are.” That’s exactly the point! Our standard is never to be the people around us, but Jesus Christ Himself, and we meet that standard only to the degree we abide in Him. This is important for every believer to remember, and especially so for those in “full-time ministry.” Social pressure to conform can be extreme, and at the same time it can be very subtle. That’s why the devil loves to use it. Every believer needs to realize that we are in a war zone, and the battle can be unrelenting. We need to take James’ words as both instructions and encouragement: “Submit yourselves, therefore, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” (James 4:7) We just need to recognize the devil’s attacks as they come.

This certainly applies to me. I have stumbled countless times, most often when I haven’t recognized there was anything in my way. That’s what baseball would call an error. Doing my best and falling short is different from walking around with my eyes shut! I have learned that the more I recognize my weaknesses and choose to depend on God, the more His strength is manifested in me, just as Paul recognized after God gave him that famous promise, “My grace is sufficient for you.” (2 Corinthians 12:9) I’m not to try to be strong in myself, but only in Christ, and that requires laying down all of my personal pride. After all, everything good about me is by the grace of God, and I should rejoice in that reality. The world is never to be my standard or my example, but only Christ Jesus my Lord.

Father, thank You for this strong reminder. I’ve needed it more times than I care to remember! Help me indeed abide in Christ, allowing You to fill me by Your Spirit, so that in all things I may accurately represent Christ to those around me, for Your glory. Thank You. Praise God!