Daily Devotional

I want you to picture a car — a car is made of hundreds of components. Each component plays a part. These parts are in the car and they are a part of the car. In other words, they help keep the engine running and the car moving. Now the Bible says that you are in the world; that means that you are sitting in that car, but you are not a part of that car that makes the car move forward. You're there for the ride, to get you to your destination. But you do not participate in the activities that make the car move. You do not turn the engine, or make the fan work.

Jesus calls His children a chosen generation, a royal priesthood and a holy nation. God wants you to be in the world, influencing those around you, but He says, "Do not be a part of the car. The car is not mine. It belongs to the prince of the darkness of this world. Do not be a part of it. Do not become as one of the parts that is controlled by the engine."

Paul wrote to the Romans, "Be not conformed to this world, but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind." Heres something to ponder on — your thoughts become your words. Your words become your actions. Your actions become your habits. Your habits become your values. Your values become your destiny. If you harbour evil thoughts eventually those thoughts will settle in your heart and they become a part of you.

Rather, renew your mind with the Word of God. Instead of catching up on the latest gossip, use your time to pray, or to praise and worship God. You are in this world to transform your world and to be a light and salt to the world.

Do not allow that light to die or that salt to lose its flavour by conforming your mind to the things of this world. Rather stay focused on His will, His purpose and His plans for your life and for those that He has given you to influence.