As Christians, we are called not to conform with the world but to stand out. There is nothing more counter-cultural than a true follower of Christ. We were once slaves to sin. We have all done things we are ashamed of, things that brought pain and misery to ourselves and those around us. Scripture succinctly says “the wages of sin is death” and we were living in a culture of death before Christ in his love and mercy paid the price and redeemed us. However, living as a Christ-follower is not easy. We are in constant battle with our own flesh with its incessant desires; with the world and its clashing and clamoring demands; and with the powers of darkness, that wait crouching ready to pounce at the slightest opportunity we may provide. Yet we are called to stand firm in Christ and to be the salt and light of the world. We can only do this through the strength we find in Christ by daily encountering him in the Word, and building an intimate relationship with Abba Father in prayer.

Prayer: Abba Father, we come into your presence to be strengthened by you so that we may be a light in this dark and hurting world – Amen.