Do Not Conform - Bible Studies, #1

Do not conform to the ways of this world. As Christians living in a foreign land, how do we live while waiting to inherit our home in God's Kingdom? We must live in this present world while we are waiting. With all of its evil, crime, and temptations, we must resist the temptations to do what the rest of the world is doing. We must not conform to the standards of the world. Christians are to come out of this lifestyle and live according to the laws set up by God.
We must know how we are living and not just fit into the ways of this world. We must always be aware of our actions and allow the Holy Spirit to guide us. This is not a simple thing to do, as the pressures and temptations of this world are powerful. It is just too easy to fall into our old ways of living. God tells us in "Rom 12:2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.
Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is-his good, pleasing and perfect will." When we accepted Jesus Christ as our Lord and Saviour, we became a new creation, as we see in 2Cor 5:17. "Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old things have passed away. Behold, all things have become new." We must resist the temptation to follow the world, or in other words, we must not conform. The best way to avoid the ways of this world is to keep reading the words from God, The Bible. It is very easy to follow others, especially if we have family members, friends and relatives who are not interested in following Jesus.
We may follow their examples because we are afraid of offending them. And if we do not conform, we will be left out of activities that we would usually attend. We may be alienated from our families, and this can be extremely difficult. It is up to us to choose between Jesus and our families. We must renew our minds and follow the advice from Philippians chapter 4 and verse 8. "Finally, brothers, whatever things are true, whatever things are honourable, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report; if there is any virtue, and if there is any praise, think about these things."  This is the best advice I can give to anyone who is seeking the truth about God and what He expects from those who wish to worship Him.
This road is straight and narrow and is the only way to the Kingdom.