Day 26 - Prayer Journal: Dare to Be Dfiferent

Scripture
"And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what [is] that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God." - Romans 12:2

I hate counterfeits! Everywhere I turn I see people who in an effort to be in style, sport a knock-off of an original brand. I am a Coach junkie. I love Coach bags, wallets, shoes, watches, scarves, you name it; I own it. It is my private obsession. I really like the product because of the quality of the brand, not its name nor its flowery price. That is why it appalls me to see people who carry the fake bags in an attempt to be stylish. Don't get me wrong, I am not bothered by the fact that they paid a low dime to appear to own what I pay a small fortune for. It is the fact that these people are purchasing falsies to appear to fit into a culture, to portray a certain image, or to look like everybody else. If they really valued the quality of the leather or fabric that would be a different story, but they want to be part of the in club. Some of these people are even deceived into paying high costs for fakes because they have been told they are the real thing. Others know they are carrying fakes but think other people will believe theirs are real. Trust me, true Coach addicts know the difference; those who have owned an original can spot a fake a mile away. Those who own originals know the value of being privileged with such a luxury.

We live in a society that encourages duplicity rather than individuality. Whether you look to fashion or to morals, there is a push for people to go with the flow. Whenever someone goes against the norm, they are looked at as being odd. Many people work at being like the crowd. As a Christian , God requires you to be like a Coach, be a designer's original. He doesn't want the spirit that He has placed within you to try to fit in with the world or the world's way of doing things. He doesn't want you to look or act like the world. Because you are not a fake, you must be different and think differently than the world. We must make up our minds to be like Jesus. Trust me true Christians can spot a lost person a mile away. It is impossible to present yourself as a born again believer to someone who really is living a life committed to Christ. Though temptations may come or you may see other people who seem to get away with sin, know that you are in the world but not of this world. You are a kingdom citizen and must abide by the law's of your government, the Kingdom of God. It is both an honor and a privilege to be saved, blessed, and highly favored. So don't compare yourself to the counterfeits of the enemy, pattern yourself after the original, our lord and saviour, Jesus Christ.

Focus
- Thank God for making you in His image and in His likeness.
- Ask God to reveal areas that your thinking needs to be changed.
- Pray for God to renew and transform your thinking to align with the word of God.
- Seek God for what the word says about you and how you should live.
- Praise God for His will being above all things.
- Ask God to keep you in areas where you tend to try to fit in with the world or where you try to keep from offending others with your Christianity.
- Thank God for using you to show others His light and His love.

Remember
You are called to be a witness for Christ. Some people may never enter your church, but they are watching you live out your testimony!

Be Blessed!