WEBVTT
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I'm going to have a mannequin.
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In each week, we break down how to heal, reinvent your life, and find peace despite what you went through.
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What if some of the things that society tells you are completely normal?
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Are actually pulling you further away from God?
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What if what the world calls confidence?
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God sometimes calls pride?
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What if what the world calls freedom?
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God sometimes calls bondage.
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What the world calls self-love, God maybe asking you to surrender.
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What the world calls following your heart, scripture warns us that our hearts can deceive us.
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And what if the hardest part about following Jesus isn't knowing what the Bible says, but having the courage to live differently when everyone around you is telling you that you're wrong.
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Because we're living in a culture that increasingly says, do whatever makes you happy, follow your heart, put yourself first.
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You don't owe anyone anything.
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Your truth is your truth.
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If it feels good, do it.
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Never compromise for anyone.
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And some of those ideas sound empowering, but as Christians, we are called to ask a different question.
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Not what does society say is right, but what does the Bible say is right?
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Because being a follower of Jesus means that our standard can't simply be whatever culture currently approves of.
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Romans 12.2 tells us this to not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the reviewing of your mind.
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And that is what we're talking about today.
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What does it actually mean to live righteously?
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And why does biblical righteousness often look completely opposite from the world around us?
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This episode is a little different because I want to challenge you, not condemn you, not tell you that you're better than anyone else, but challenge you to examine yourself because it's very easy to point at the world and say, look at how simple society is.
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But Jesus constantly called his followers to examine their own hearts first.
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So this isn't about judging other people.
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This is about asking my actually living according to God's word.
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Because there's a difference between calling yourself a Christian and allowing Christianity to actually transform the way you live.
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One of the most common messages we hear is follow your heart.
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Sounds beautiful, sounds romantic, sounds empowering.
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Scripture gives us a warning.
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Jeremiah 17, 9 says that the heart is deceitful above all things.
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That doesn't mean your feelings don't matter.
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It means your feelings aren't supposed to be your ultimate authority.
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Your emotions can be real without always being right.
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You can feel justified and still be wrong.
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You can feel angry and still be called to forgive.
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You can feel attracted to someone and still know they're not good for you.
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You can feel like giving up and still be called to persevere.
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You can feel like someone deserves your revenge and still be called to love them.
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The world says, do what feels right.
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God says, seek my love.
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That's a completely different way of living.
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The world says, do whatever makes you happy.
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This is one of the biggest cultural messages of our generation.
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Your happiness becomes the highest priority.
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But Jesus ever said, Do whatever makes you happy.
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You know what Jesus said?
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If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up this cross and follow me.
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Matthew 16, 24.
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That's uncomfortable because sometimes obedience doesn't feel good.
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Sometimes doing the right thing means walking away.
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Sometimes it means saying no.
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Sometimes it means forgiving someone when you don't feel like forgiving.
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Sometimes it means waiting.
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Sometimes it means staying here when culture tells you there's nothing wrong with casual sex.
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Sometimes it means telling the truth when lying would benefit you.
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Sometimes it means choosing humility when pride would feel better.
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Christianity isn't whatever makes me happy.
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And sometimes holiness will cost you temporary happiness, but obedience produces something deeper than temporary pleasure.
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The world says, put yourself first.
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We're constantly being told, protect your peace, choose yourself, put yourself first.
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Now there's truth in learning healthy boundaries.
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Jesus doesn't call us to tolerate abuse or allow people to continually mistreat us, but biblical love takes self-denial seriously.
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Philippians 2.3 says, do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit.
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But in humility, count others more significant than yourselves.
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That is radically different from me first.
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Biblical Christianity says, serve, love, give, forgive.
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Consider others can carry one another's burdens.
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But here's the balance.
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Biblical selflessness does not mean having no boundaries.
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Jesus himself withdrew.
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Jesus said no.
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Jesus walked away from crowds.
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Jesus didn't allow everyone unlimited access to him.
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So if righteousness isn't everyone else matters and I don't.
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It's I know my worth in God, so I don't have to live selfishly or live as a doormat.
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The world says hurry.
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God says wait.
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The world is obsessed with speed.
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Everything is now instant, immediate, faster.
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We live in a culture where you can order food in minutes, have something delivered the same day, meet someone on a dating app within seconds, and scroll through hundreds of people's lives before you've even gotten out of bed.
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And that mentality can creep into your relationship with God.
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We can start thinking, God, I want it now.
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I want the relationship now.
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I want the career now.
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I want the breakthrough now.
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I want the healing and the blessing now.
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And when it doesn't happen on our timeline, we start wondering, God, did you forget about me?
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The scripture repeatedly teaches us something.
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Our culture doesn't want us to hear.
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There is value in waiting.
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Psalm 27, 14 says, wait for the Lord, be strong, and let your heart take courage.
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Wait for the Lord.
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Isaiah 40, 31 says, Those who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength.
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Notice that scripture doesn't say, those who rush, those who force, those who manipulate, those who make something happen because they're tired of waiting.
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It says those who wait.
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And I think sometimes we mistake delay for denial.
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We assume that God hasn't given it to me yet.
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Maybe it's never going to happen.
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But what if the waiting is actually part of the preparation?
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Think about a seed, you plant it, and then nothing.
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For a while, it looks like nothing is happening.
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But underneath the surface, something is taking place.
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Fruits are growing.
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Something is developing that you can't see yet.
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And I think God does that with us.
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There are seasons when you look around and think nothing is happening.
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The God may be doing some of his deepest work underneath the surface.
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He is developing your character, healing your heart, he's changing your desires, he's teaching you patience, teaching you discernment, he's preparing you for something you aren't ready to carry yet.
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There were so many seasons where I wanted something sooner than when I had it.
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And now that I have it, I look back and realize there was no way I could have carried or maintained that in the version of me back when I wanted it.
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God's timing is always way better than ours.
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And this is especially important when we're talking about relationships, because sometimes we're so desperate to have a relationship that we'll accept the first person who gives us attention.
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We'll call potential a promise.
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We'll call chemistry a confirmation.
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We'll call a red flag a test of our faith.
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And we'll rush because we're afraid that if we don't take the opportunity now, we'll miss it.
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But what God has for you does not require you to disobey Him, to attain it.
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You don't have to rush God's process.
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You don't have to force a relationship.
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You don't have to choose someone who is unsure about you.
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You don't have to compromise your standards because you're afraid of being alone.
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You don't have to manufacture what you're asking God to provide.
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Sometimes the most faithful thing you can do is wait.
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And waiting doesn't mean sitting on your couch doing nothing.
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Waiting on God is active.
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Keep growing, keep praying, keep working, keep healing, keep serving and becoming.
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You simply refuse to force something before it's time.
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Ecclesiastes 3 1 says, for everything there is a season and a time.
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For every matter under heaven, there is a time.
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And that's difficult for us because we want to know when, how, where, who, but God really gives us the entire timeline.
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He asks us to trust him one step at a time.
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And maybe that's the lesson.
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Faith isn't trusting God only when you understand his timing.
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Faith is trusting him when you don't.
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Maybe you're listening to this and thinking, Amanda, I've been waiting for so long.
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I know.
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Waiting can be painful.
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Waiting can make you question yourself.
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It can make you compare yourself to everyone around you.
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You watch your friends get married, you see people having babies, you see people getting promotions, you see people moving into beautiful homes, and you start thinking, what about me?
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But remember, someone else's timeline is not evidence that God has forgotten yours.
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You don't know what God is protecting you from, you don't know what he's preparing you for, and you don't know what is happening behind the scenes.
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So instead of asking only God, when is it going to happen?
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Try asking God, what are you doing in me while I wait?
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There are things God can develop in you during a waiting season that you may never develop when everything comes easily.
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Patience, endurance, trust, self-control, discernment, faith.
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Galatians 6 9 reminds us.
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Let us not grow weary in doing good, for in due season we will reap if we do not give up.
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In due season, not your season, not society's season, not the season your friends are in.
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Due season, God's timing.
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And I want you to hear this.
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We're not behind because your life doesn't look like everyone else's.
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We're not late, we're not forgotten, we're not being punished, we're not missing your opportunity.
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Because what God has for you, you will never miss.
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You may simply be in a season where God is asking you to trust Him.
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So don't let a culture of instant gratification convince you if you need to rush something, God is asking you to wait for.
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Because sometimes the blessing isn't just what God gives you at the end of the waiting.
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Sometimes the blessing is who you become while you're waiting.
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And when the right door finally opens, you realize God wasn't wasting the time he was preparing before it.
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That is biblical patience, not passive waiting, faithful waiting.
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And sometimes obedience looks less like doing something and more like having the courage to do nothing until God says, move.
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The world says, if they hurt you, get revenge.
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Culture says, cut them off, expose them, get even, make them regret losing you, show them what they're missing.
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Sometimes boundaries are absolutely necessary.
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But Jesus tells us something radically different.
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Matthew 5, 44, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.
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Think about how counter-cultural that is.
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The world says, make them pay.
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Jesus says, pray for them.
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The world says get revenge.
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Jesus says forgive.
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The world says destroy their reputation.
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Jesus says love them.
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Forgiveness doesn't mean pretending nothing happened.
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Forgiveness means I refuse to let what you did control who I become.
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The world says pride is confidence.
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There's a difference between healthy confidence and pride.
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The world often celebrates, nobody can tell me what to do.
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I don't need anybody.
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I know I'm better than everyone else.
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I deserve everything.
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The scripture repeatedly warns us against pride.
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Proverbs 16, 18 says, pride goes before destruction.
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Biblical righteousness says, be humble.
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That doesn't mean think poorly of yourself.
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It means you don't have to constantly prove that you're better than everyone else.
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You can know your value without needing superiority.
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You can be confident without being arrogant.
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You can succeed without looking down on people.
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You can be gifted without believing you're self-made, because everything we have ultimately comes from God.
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The world says money and success define you.
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Society often measures worth by how much money you make, what you drive, where you live, what you wear, how attractive you are, how many followers you have, how successful your career is, what kind of relationship you're in.
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But Jesus asks a completely different question.
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Who are you becoming?
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Are you loving?
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Are you faithful?
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Are you honest?
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Are you generous?
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Are you humble?
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And are you obedient?
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Matthew 6, 19 through 20 tells us not to store up treasures on earth, but to store up treasures in heaven.
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Success isn't inherently bad.
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Money isn't inherently evil.
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Ambition isn't inherently wrong.
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But when success becomes your identity, you've allowed something other than God to define you.
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The world says, You deserve to be whoever you want.
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This one is especially relevant to relationship.
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Culture says if you love them, that's enough.
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If the chemistry is there, go for it.
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Don't let anyone tell you who you should be with.
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The scripture tells us to be intentional about who we become spiritually connected to.
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2 Corinthians 6.14 speaks about not being unequally yoked.
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For a Christian, dating isn't simply, do I like them?
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It's can we walk toward God together?
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Because the person you marry will influence your spiritual life, your habits, your home, future family, your children, your priorities, your decisions.
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So attraction matters.
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Compatibility matters, but character matters more.
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The world says everyone has their own truth.
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One of the defining areas of modern culture is your truth is your truth.
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The Christianity teaches the truth isn't something we create.
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Jesus said in John 14, 6, I am the way and the truth and the life.
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Truth isn't whatever makes me comfortable.
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Truth isn't whatever gets the most light.
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Truth isn't whatever society votes for.
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Truth is ultimately grounded in God.
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And that means sometimes God's truth will challenge us.
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Sometimes it will confront our behavior.
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Sometimes it will require repentance.
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Sometimes it will force us to admit I was wrong.
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And that's not oppression, that's humility.
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The world says you don't need a change.
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Culture often says, accept yourself the way you are.
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But Christianity contains a beautiful caption.
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God loves you exactly where you are, and he loves you too much to leave you there.
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Romans 6 talks about becoming dead to sin and alive to God.
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2 Corinthians 5, 17 says, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation.
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The Christian life isn't God accepts me, therefore I don't need a change.
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It's God loves me and his love transforms me.
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You don't obey God to earn his love.
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You obey because you've already encountered his love.
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Righteousness is not about looking perfect.
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This is extremely important.
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Biblical righteousness does not mean pretending you're perfect.
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It doesn't mean you never struggle.
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It doesn't mean you never sin.
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It doesn't mean you never make mistakes.
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It means you continually turn to God.
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When you fall, repent.
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When you mess up, confess.
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When you're convicted, listen.
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When God reveals something, surrender it.
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First John 1.9 tells us that if we confess our sins, God is faithful to forgive and cleanse us.
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So righteousness isn't perfection, it's alignment.
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It's continually saying, God, your way over my way.
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Jesus didn't call us to blend in.
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Romans 12.2 says, Do not be conformed to this world's wives, because if you're not intentional, culture will disciple you.
00:20:04.880 --> 00:20:07.200
Social media will disciple you.
00:20:07.519 --> 00:20:10.319
Entertainment will disciple you.
00:20:10.640 --> 00:20:12.880
Your friends will disciple you.
00:20:13.519 --> 00:20:18.880
Relationship will disciple you, and your desires will disciple you.
00:20:19.119 --> 00:20:21.279
Something is always shaping you.
00:20:21.599 --> 00:20:24.640
The question isn't, am I being influenced?
00:20:24.799 --> 00:20:28.079
The question is who is influencing me?
00:20:28.240 --> 00:20:40.960
If everything you're consuming tells you, chase pleasure, get revenge, make money, look beautiful, get attention, follow your desires, do whatever feels good.
00:20:41.119 --> 00:20:44.079
Eventually those messages begin to feel normal.
00:20:44.240 --> 00:20:46.720
That's why scripture tells us to renew our mind.
00:20:47.039 --> 00:20:49.839
What does a righteous life actually look like?
00:20:50.160 --> 00:21:04.160
Galatians 5 gives us the fruit of the spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.
00:21:04.480 --> 00:21:12.240
Imagine if we measured our spiritual growth by those things instead of how much Bible knowledge we have.
00:21:12.480 --> 00:21:16.160
Ask yourself, am I more patient than I used to be?
00:21:16.400 --> 00:21:17.599
Am I kinder?
00:21:17.839 --> 00:21:19.920
Do I have more self-control?
00:21:20.160 --> 00:21:22.400
Do I forgive more easily?
00:21:22.640 --> 00:21:24.640
Do I speak differently?
00:21:24.960 --> 00:21:26.880
Do I treat people differently?
00:21:27.119 --> 00:21:28.720
Do I have more peace?
00:21:29.039 --> 00:21:31.119
Am I becoming more like Jesus?
00:21:31.440 --> 00:21:35.759
Because spiritual maturity isn't simply knowing more scripture.
00:21:35.920 --> 00:21:38.160
It's becoming more like Christ.
00:21:38.400 --> 00:21:42.240
There may come a point when obedience makes you look strange.
00:21:42.480 --> 00:21:44.400
You don't drink because you don't want to.
00:21:44.559 --> 00:21:47.920
You don't sleep around because of your convictions.
00:21:48.079 --> 00:21:50.319
You don't participate in gossip.
00:21:50.480 --> 00:21:52.000
You don't retaliate.
00:21:52.160 --> 00:21:53.440
You don't manipulate.
00:21:53.599 --> 00:21:56.640
You don't chase relationships out of desperation.
00:21:56.880 --> 00:21:59.759
You don't compromise your faith to fit in.
00:22:00.319 --> 00:22:03.200
And people may ask, why are you like this?
00:22:03.359 --> 00:22:05.119
You might feel like you're missing out.
00:22:05.359 --> 00:22:09.519
But remember, you weren't called to fit into the world.
00:22:09.759 --> 00:22:11.599
You were called to follow Jesus.
00:22:11.839 --> 00:22:20.400
1 Peter 1.15 says, as he who called you is holy, you also be holy.
00:22:20.640 --> 00:22:26.319
Holiness means being set apart, not better than everyone, but different.
00:22:26.480 --> 00:22:31.359
The world will call some things freedom that are actually bondage.
00:22:31.599 --> 00:22:34.480
This may be one of the biggest contradictions.
00:22:34.720 --> 00:22:38.960
The world says do whatever you want, that's freedom.
00:22:39.200 --> 00:22:42.000
But what happens when your desires control you?
00:22:42.160 --> 00:22:43.279
That's not freedom.
00:22:43.519 --> 00:22:44.559
That's bondage.
00:22:44.720 --> 00:22:48.400
If you can't stop growing, you're not free.
00:22:48.640 --> 00:22:52.240
You can't stop seeking validation, you're not free.
00:22:52.480 --> 00:22:55.759
If you can't stop drinking, you're not free.
00:22:56.079 --> 00:23:01.119
If you can't stop having sex outside your convictions, you're not free.
00:23:01.359 --> 00:23:04.319
If you can't stop gossiping, you're not free.
00:23:04.559 --> 00:23:09.039
If you can't stop checking whether someone likes you, you're not free.
00:23:09.920 --> 00:23:14.640
Biblical freedom isn't I can do anything I want.
00:23:14.799 --> 00:23:18.960
It's I no longer have to be controlled by everything I want.
00:23:19.200 --> 00:23:20.559
That's real freedom.
00:23:20.720 --> 00:23:26.640
So how do we live righteously in a world that is moving in the opposite direction?
00:23:27.440 --> 00:23:29.440
First, know God's word.
00:23:30.319 --> 00:23:33.279
You cannot live according to a standard you don't know.
00:23:33.519 --> 00:23:34.559
Second, right?
00:23:35.039 --> 00:23:38.240
Ask God to expose what needs to change.
00:23:38.480 --> 00:23:41.039
Third, watch what influences you.
00:23:41.200 --> 00:23:43.279
Be intentional about what you can do.
00:23:43.519 --> 00:23:46.160
Fourth, choose your community wisely.
00:23:46.880 --> 00:23:49.359
The people closest to you influence you.
00:23:50.400 --> 00:23:59.759
Even the church you attend, the preacher you listen to, the podcast you listen to.
00:24:01.119 --> 00:24:05.599
Use your discernment because not everyone who preaches is in Christ.
00:24:05.920 --> 00:24:10.160
You know, even Satan himself knows scripture.
00:24:11.680 --> 00:24:14.640
So your community really does matter.
00:24:15.839 --> 00:24:21.359
Practice obedience, small things, don't wait for some huge spiritual assignment.
00:24:21.680 --> 00:24:22.960
Honor God today.
00:24:23.759 --> 00:24:25.759
Tell the truth today.
00:24:26.160 --> 00:24:27.920
Forgive today.
00:24:28.880 --> 00:24:30.880
Set the boundary today.
00:24:31.440 --> 00:24:35.680
Control your tongue today and serve someone today.
00:24:36.000 --> 00:24:37.839
Six, repent quickly.
00:24:38.000 --> 00:24:41.920
Don't become comfortable with what God is asking you to surrender.
00:24:42.079 --> 00:24:46.640
And finally, remember grace, because you're going to mess up.
00:24:46.799 --> 00:24:50.960
The goal isn't to walk around terrified that God is waiting to punish you.
00:24:51.200 --> 00:24:56.960
The goal is to walk closely enough with Him that you actually want to become more like Him.
00:24:57.200 --> 00:25:00.880
You don't have to become the world in order to reach the world.
00:25:01.039 --> 00:25:04.799
You don't have to compromise your convictions to be accepted.
00:25:05.039 --> 00:25:12.960
You don't have to water down your faith to be like, you don't have to participate in everything everyone else participates in.
00:25:13.279 --> 00:25:17.920
You don't have to hate people who don't believe what you believe.
00:25:18.079 --> 00:25:21.279
Jesus loved people deeply while still speaking truth.
00:25:21.440 --> 00:25:22.640
That's our example.
00:25:22.799 --> 00:25:24.799
We can love without compromising.
00:25:25.119 --> 00:25:27.680
We can have boundaries without hatred.
00:25:30.240 --> 00:25:33.200
We can speak truth without arrogance.
00:25:33.359 --> 00:25:37.519
We can disagree without dehumanizing people.
00:25:37.680 --> 00:25:45.200
And most importantly, we can look at our own lives before we point fingers at everyone else's.
00:25:45.440 --> 00:25:56.559
Because maybe the greatest revival begins when Christians stop asking what's wrong with the world and start asking, God, what do you want to change in me?
00:25:56.799 --> 00:26:16.400
Maybe it's your attitude, maybe it's your relationships, maybe it's your choices, maybe it's your unforgiveness, maybe it's your addiction to validation, maybe it's your anger, jealousy, gossip, maybe it's your desire to be accepted, or maybe it's your unwillingness to surrender.
00:26:16.559 --> 00:26:19.519
Whatever it is, don't run from conviction.
00:26:19.759 --> 00:26:21.119
Let God use it.
00:26:21.359 --> 00:26:24.240
Because conviction isn't condemnation.
00:26:24.559 --> 00:26:29.440
Conviction, an invitation to become more like Him.
00:26:29.680 --> 00:26:32.480
And maybe that's what righteousness really looks like.
00:26:32.720 --> 00:26:38.319
Not perfection, not pretending, not judging everyone else.
00:26:38.559 --> 00:27:00.240
But waking up every morning and saying this, God, I surrender, renew my mind, cleanse my heart, change my desires, teach me how to love, teach me how to forgive, teach me how to walk away, teach me how to obey, make me more like Jesus.
00:27:00.480 --> 00:27:04.480
Because the world doesn't need more Christians who simply say they're different.
00:27:04.720 --> 00:27:08.640
It needs more Christians who actually live differently.
00:27:08.880 --> 00:27:10.160
Let's pray.
00:27:11.279 --> 00:27:19.440
Father, help us live according to your truth in a world that constantly tells us to follow our own way.
00:27:20.079 --> 00:27:21.680
Renew our minds.
00:27:22.240 --> 00:27:23.839
Give us discernment.
00:27:24.240 --> 00:27:28.640
Help us recognize when we've allowed culture to influence us more than your word.
00:27:29.039 --> 00:27:32.240
Teach us the areas where we've compromised.
00:27:32.400 --> 00:27:35.599
Show us the areas where pride has taken over.
00:27:35.839 --> 00:27:38.559
Show us where we're chasing validation.
00:27:38.799 --> 00:27:43.119
Show us where we're allowing our emotions to lead instead of your spirit.
00:27:43.279 --> 00:27:45.519
Give us the courage to live differently.
00:27:45.759 --> 00:27:47.920
Give us humility when we're wrong.
00:27:48.160 --> 00:27:50.480
Give us grace when we fall.
00:27:50.720 --> 00:27:52.640
Give us strength to repent.
00:27:52.799 --> 00:27:57.519
And help us never confuse righteousness with thinking we're better than other people.
00:27:57.759 --> 00:28:01.759
Teach us to love people deeply while remaining faithful to you.
00:28:02.000 --> 00:28:14.799
Make us people of integrity, people of truth, people of compassion, people of self-control, people of forgiveness, people of courage, people who reflect Jesus.
00:28:14.960 --> 00:28:26.559
And when the world tells us that following you is outdated, restrictive, or unnecessary, remind us that your ways lead to life.
00:28:26.799 --> 00:28:29.519
Help us choose you again and again.
00:28:29.759 --> 00:28:31.200
In Jesus' name.
00:28:31.440 --> 00:28:32.000
Amen.
00:28:32.240 --> 00:28:35.440
Before we leave, I want you to ask yourself three questions.
00:28:35.680 --> 00:28:41.039
Number one, where have I allowed culture to influence me more than scripture?
00:28:42.720 --> 00:28:46.640
Number two, what is God asking me to surrender?
00:28:47.680 --> 00:28:54.799
Number three, what would change in my life if I actually lived like God's word was my highest authority?
00:28:55.039 --> 00:28:57.200
Don't just listen to this episode.
00:28:57.920 --> 00:29:04.079
Sit with it, pray about it, and let God show you what needs to change.
00:29:04.319 --> 00:29:16.079
Because sometimes the most radical thing you can do in a culture obsessed with following yourself is simply say, Not my will, but yours, be done.
00:29:17.279 --> 00:29:18.079
God bless us.
00:29:18.319 --> 00:29:22.480
Before we close, I just want to remind you that healing is something we get to keep choosing.
00:29:22.559 --> 00:29:25.440
One day, one decision, one honest moment at a time.
00:29:25.599 --> 00:29:29.680
If something you heard today resonated with you, don't feel like you have to walk through it alone.
00:29:29.839 --> 00:29:33.839
Subscribe and stay connected because there's so much more we're going to unpack together here.
00:29:34.000 --> 00:29:39.599
And if you want something to come back to between episodes, my book and devotional guide are in the show notes for you too.
00:29:39.680 --> 00:29:47.200
And that is another thing you have to do, but as resources you can reach for when you need encouragement, reflection, or a little reminder that you are still growing.
00:29:47.440 --> 00:29:51.680
Take what you need from today's conversation, sit with it and give yourself grace.
00:29:51.920 --> 00:29:53.039
I'm so glad you're here.
00:29:53.200 --> 00:29:56.000
I'll see you next time on Feel by Amanda Grace.
00:00:13.439 --> 00:00:15.199
I'm going to have a mannequin.
00:00:15.439 --> 00:00:21.839
In each week, we break down how to heal, reinvent your life, and find peace despite what you went through.
00:00:26.800 --> 00:00:31.519
What if some of the things that society tells you are completely normal?
00:00:34.079 --> 00:00:37.439
Are actually pulling you further away from God?
00:00:37.679 --> 00:00:40.079
What if what the world calls confidence?
00:00:40.399 --> 00:00:42.479
God sometimes calls pride?
00:00:42.640 --> 00:00:45.119
What if what the world calls freedom?
00:00:45.439 --> 00:00:48.719
God sometimes calls bondage.
00:00:48.960 --> 00:00:54.880
What the world calls self-love, God maybe asking you to surrender.
00:00:55.119 --> 00:01:00.960
What the world calls following your heart, scripture warns us that our hearts can deceive us.
00:01:01.119 --> 00:01:14.560
And what if the hardest part about following Jesus isn't knowing what the Bible says, but having the courage to live differently when everyone around you is telling you that you're wrong.
00:01:15.680 --> 00:01:25.439
Because we're living in a culture that increasingly says, do whatever makes you happy, follow your heart, put yourself first.
00:01:25.680 --> 00:01:28.239
You don't owe anyone anything.
00:01:29.200 --> 00:01:31.120
Your truth is your truth.
00:01:31.359 --> 00:01:33.680
If it feels good, do it.
00:01:34.000 --> 00:01:36.319
Never compromise for anyone.
00:01:36.560 --> 00:01:45.280
And some of those ideas sound empowering, but as Christians, we are called to ask a different question.
00:01:45.680 --> 00:01:52.640
Not what does society say is right, but what does the Bible say is right?
00:01:52.879 --> 00:02:00.400
Because being a follower of Jesus means that our standard can't simply be whatever culture currently approves of.
00:02:00.560 --> 00:02:10.319
Romans 12.2 tells us this to not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the reviewing of your mind.
00:02:10.479 --> 00:02:12.400
And that is what we're talking about today.
00:02:12.639 --> 00:02:16.000
What does it actually mean to live righteously?
00:02:16.159 --> 00:02:22.240
And why does biblical righteousness often look completely opposite from the world around us?
00:02:22.560 --> 00:02:40.800
This episode is a little different because I want to challenge you, not condemn you, not tell you that you're better than anyone else, but challenge you to examine yourself because it's very easy to point at the world and say, look at how simple society is.
00:02:41.039 --> 00:02:45.199
But Jesus constantly called his followers to examine their own hearts first.
00:02:45.360 --> 00:02:47.759
So this isn't about judging other people.
00:02:48.000 --> 00:02:54.000
This is about asking my actually living according to God's word.
00:02:54.719 --> 00:03:05.439
Because there's a difference between calling yourself a Christian and allowing Christianity to actually transform the way you live.
00:03:05.599 --> 00:03:09.360
One of the most common messages we hear is follow your heart.
00:03:09.840 --> 00:03:14.000
Sounds beautiful, sounds romantic, sounds empowering.
00:03:14.400 --> 00:03:16.080
Scripture gives us a warning.
00:03:16.319 --> 00:03:23.599
Jeremiah 17, 9 says that the heart is deceitful above all things.
00:03:23.919 --> 00:03:26.159
That doesn't mean your feelings don't matter.
00:03:26.400 --> 00:03:30.159
It means your feelings aren't supposed to be your ultimate authority.
00:03:30.400 --> 00:03:33.680
Your emotions can be real without always being right.
00:03:34.159 --> 00:03:37.439
You can feel justified and still be wrong.
00:03:37.599 --> 00:03:40.800
You can feel angry and still be called to forgive.
00:03:41.039 --> 00:03:46.719
You can feel attracted to someone and still know they're not good for you.
00:03:46.960 --> 00:03:50.319
You can feel like giving up and still be called to persevere.
00:03:50.479 --> 00:03:55.439
You can feel like someone deserves your revenge and still be called to love them.
00:03:55.599 --> 00:03:57.599
The world says, do what feels right.
00:03:57.840 --> 00:04:00.319
God says, seek my love.
00:04:00.719 --> 00:04:03.199
That's a completely different way of living.
00:04:03.360 --> 00:04:07.199
The world says, do whatever makes you happy.
00:04:08.080 --> 00:04:12.479
This is one of the biggest cultural messages of our generation.
00:04:12.800 --> 00:04:16.079
Your happiness becomes the highest priority.
00:04:16.720 --> 00:04:20.560
But Jesus ever said, Do whatever makes you happy.
00:04:21.120 --> 00:04:22.480
You know what Jesus said?
00:04:22.720 --> 00:04:29.920
If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up this cross and follow me.
00:04:30.160 --> 00:04:32.000
Matthew 16, 24.
00:04:32.160 --> 00:04:36.000
That's uncomfortable because sometimes obedience doesn't feel good.
00:04:36.240 --> 00:04:38.959
Sometimes doing the right thing means walking away.
00:04:39.120 --> 00:04:40.800
Sometimes it means saying no.
00:04:41.120 --> 00:04:45.040
Sometimes it means forgiving someone when you don't feel like forgiving.
00:04:45.199 --> 00:04:46.639
Sometimes it means waiting.
00:04:46.800 --> 00:04:53.920
Sometimes it means staying here when culture tells you there's nothing wrong with casual sex.
00:04:54.319 --> 00:04:57.680
Sometimes it means telling the truth when lying would benefit you.
00:04:57.839 --> 00:05:03.040
Sometimes it means choosing humility when pride would feel better.
00:05:03.279 --> 00:05:07.120
Christianity isn't whatever makes me happy.
00:05:11.600 --> 00:05:20.319
And sometimes holiness will cost you temporary happiness, but obedience produces something deeper than temporary pleasure.
00:05:20.480 --> 00:05:23.040
The world says, put yourself first.
00:05:23.360 --> 00:05:29.920
We're constantly being told, protect your peace, choose yourself, put yourself first.
00:05:30.079 --> 00:05:32.800
Now there's truth in learning healthy boundaries.
00:05:33.120 --> 00:05:45.040
Jesus doesn't call us to tolerate abuse or allow people to continually mistreat us, but biblical love takes self-denial seriously.
00:05:45.279 --> 00:05:51.759
Philippians 2.3 says, do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit.
00:05:51.920 --> 00:05:56.480
But in humility, count others more significant than yourselves.
00:05:56.720 --> 00:05:59.519
That is radically different from me first.
00:06:00.000 --> 00:06:06.399
Biblical Christianity says, serve, love, give, forgive.
00:06:06.800 --> 00:06:10.959
Consider others can carry one another's burdens.
00:06:11.279 --> 00:06:12.480
But here's the balance.
00:06:12.720 --> 00:06:17.519
Biblical selflessness does not mean having no boundaries.
00:06:17.759 --> 00:06:19.680
Jesus himself withdrew.
00:06:19.920 --> 00:06:21.120
Jesus said no.
00:06:21.439 --> 00:06:23.360
Jesus walked away from crowds.
00:06:23.759 --> 00:06:27.120
Jesus didn't allow everyone unlimited access to him.
00:06:27.519 --> 00:06:31.519
So if righteousness isn't everyone else matters and I don't.
00:06:31.759 --> 00:06:38.079
It's I know my worth in God, so I don't have to live selfishly or live as a doormat.
00:06:38.560 --> 00:06:40.240
The world says hurry.
00:06:40.879 --> 00:06:42.319
God says wait.
00:06:42.480 --> 00:06:45.279
The world is obsessed with speed.
00:06:45.519 --> 00:06:49.759
Everything is now instant, immediate, faster.
00:06:49.920 --> 00:07:03.920
We live in a culture where you can order food in minutes, have something delivered the same day, meet someone on a dating app within seconds, and scroll through hundreds of people's lives before you've even gotten out of bed.
00:07:04.079 --> 00:07:08.000
And that mentality can creep into your relationship with God.
00:07:08.240 --> 00:07:11.040
We can start thinking, God, I want it now.
00:07:11.199 --> 00:07:13.040
I want the relationship now.
00:07:13.360 --> 00:07:15.120
I want the career now.
00:07:15.439 --> 00:07:17.680
I want the breakthrough now.
00:07:18.000 --> 00:07:20.800
I want the healing and the blessing now.
00:07:21.360 --> 00:07:26.720
And when it doesn't happen on our timeline, we start wondering, God, did you forget about me?
00:07:26.879 --> 00:07:29.519
The scripture repeatedly teaches us something.
00:07:29.680 --> 00:07:32.079
Our culture doesn't want us to hear.
00:07:33.279 --> 00:07:35.439
There is value in waiting.
00:07:35.680 --> 00:07:42.800
Psalm 27, 14 says, wait for the Lord, be strong, and let your heart take courage.
00:07:43.120 --> 00:07:44.480
Wait for the Lord.
00:07:44.720 --> 00:07:49.759
Isaiah 40, 31 says, Those who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength.
00:07:49.920 --> 00:08:00.000
Notice that scripture doesn't say, those who rush, those who force, those who manipulate, those who make something happen because they're tired of waiting.
00:08:00.240 --> 00:08:02.319
It says those who wait.
00:08:02.480 --> 00:08:06.879
And I think sometimes we mistake delay for denial.
00:08:07.199 --> 00:08:11.040
We assume that God hasn't given it to me yet.
00:08:11.279 --> 00:08:12.959
Maybe it's never going to happen.
00:08:13.120 --> 00:08:17.439
But what if the waiting is actually part of the preparation?
00:08:17.600 --> 00:08:21.519
Think about a seed, you plant it, and then nothing.
00:08:21.759 --> 00:08:23.839
For a while, it looks like nothing is happening.
00:08:24.000 --> 00:08:27.600
But underneath the surface, something is taking place.
00:08:27.920 --> 00:08:29.279
Fruits are growing.
00:08:29.600 --> 00:08:32.720
Something is developing that you can't see yet.
00:08:32.879 --> 00:08:34.639
And I think God does that with us.
00:08:34.799 --> 00:08:39.840
There are seasons when you look around and think nothing is happening.
00:08:40.080 --> 00:08:45.039
The God may be doing some of his deepest work underneath the surface.
00:08:45.360 --> 00:08:59.279
He is developing your character, healing your heart, he's changing your desires, he's teaching you patience, teaching you discernment, he's preparing you for something you aren't ready to carry yet.
00:08:59.440 --> 00:09:05.360
There were so many seasons where I wanted something sooner than when I had it.
00:09:05.600 --> 00:09:16.399
And now that I have it, I look back and realize there was no way I could have carried or maintained that in the version of me back when I wanted it.
00:09:16.559 --> 00:09:18.960
God's timing is always way better than ours.
00:09:19.120 --> 00:09:28.799
And this is especially important when we're talking about relationships, because sometimes we're so desperate to have a relationship that we'll accept the first person who gives us attention.
00:09:29.039 --> 00:09:32.080
We'll call potential a promise.
00:09:32.240 --> 00:09:35.120
We'll call chemistry a confirmation.
00:09:36.799 --> 00:09:39.759
We'll call a red flag a test of our faith.
00:09:39.840 --> 00:09:45.279
And we'll rush because we're afraid that if we don't take the opportunity now, we'll miss it.
00:09:45.519 --> 00:09:51.200
But what God has for you does not require you to disobey Him, to attain it.
00:09:51.360 --> 00:09:53.519
You don't have to rush God's process.
00:09:53.679 --> 00:09:56.080
You don't have to force a relationship.
00:09:56.320 --> 00:09:59.919
You don't have to choose someone who is unsure about you.
00:10:00.080 --> 00:10:05.600
You don't have to compromise your standards because you're afraid of being alone.
00:10:05.759 --> 00:10:10.320
You don't have to manufacture what you're asking God to provide.
00:10:10.480 --> 00:10:14.000
Sometimes the most faithful thing you can do is wait.
00:10:14.159 --> 00:10:17.120
And waiting doesn't mean sitting on your couch doing nothing.
00:10:17.279 --> 00:10:18.799
Waiting on God is active.
00:10:19.200 --> 00:10:25.600
Keep growing, keep praying, keep working, keep healing, keep serving and becoming.
00:10:25.759 --> 00:10:29.600
You simply refuse to force something before it's time.
00:10:29.759 --> 00:10:35.840
Ecclesiastes 3 1 says, for everything there is a season and a time.
00:10:36.000 --> 00:10:39.279
For every matter under heaven, there is a time.
00:10:39.759 --> 00:10:50.080
And that's difficult for us because we want to know when, how, where, who, but God really gives us the entire timeline.
00:10:50.320 --> 00:10:54.159
He asks us to trust him one step at a time.
00:10:54.399 --> 00:10:56.000
And maybe that's the lesson.
00:10:56.240 --> 00:10:59.840
Faith isn't trusting God only when you understand his timing.
00:11:00.080 --> 00:11:02.080
Faith is trusting him when you don't.
00:11:02.240 --> 00:11:08.879
Maybe you're listening to this and thinking, Amanda, I've been waiting for so long.
00:11:09.440 --> 00:11:10.000
I know.
00:11:10.240 --> 00:11:11.919
Waiting can be painful.
00:11:12.080 --> 00:11:14.320
Waiting can make you question yourself.
00:11:14.559 --> 00:11:17.519
It can make you compare yourself to everyone around you.
00:11:17.679 --> 00:11:31.600
You watch your friends get married, you see people having babies, you see people getting promotions, you see people moving into beautiful homes, and you start thinking, what about me?
00:11:32.080 --> 00:11:36.879
But remember, someone else's timeline is not evidence that God has forgotten yours.
00:11:37.039 --> 00:11:44.720
You don't know what God is protecting you from, you don't know what he's preparing you for, and you don't know what is happening behind the scenes.
00:11:44.879 --> 00:11:48.960
So instead of asking only God, when is it going to happen?
00:11:49.200 --> 00:11:53.600
Try asking God, what are you doing in me while I wait?
00:11:53.679 --> 00:12:01.919
There are things God can develop in you during a waiting season that you may never develop when everything comes easily.
00:12:02.240 --> 00:12:09.279
Patience, endurance, trust, self-control, discernment, faith.
00:12:09.519 --> 00:12:12.480
Galatians 6 9 reminds us.
00:12:12.720 --> 00:12:19.279
Let us not grow weary in doing good, for in due season we will reap if we do not give up.
00:12:19.519 --> 00:12:27.039
In due season, not your season, not society's season, not the season your friends are in.
00:12:27.360 --> 00:12:30.159
Due season, God's timing.
00:12:30.320 --> 00:12:31.679
And I want you to hear this.
00:12:31.919 --> 00:12:36.159
We're not behind because your life doesn't look like everyone else's.
00:12:36.399 --> 00:12:43.440
We're not late, we're not forgotten, we're not being punished, we're not missing your opportunity.
00:12:44.879 --> 00:12:47.840
Because what God has for you, you will never miss.
00:12:48.000 --> 00:12:52.559
You may simply be in a season where God is asking you to trust Him.
00:12:52.799 --> 00:13:01.519
So don't let a culture of instant gratification convince you if you need to rush something, God is asking you to wait for.
00:13:02.639 --> 00:13:06.960
Because sometimes the blessing isn't just what God gives you at the end of the waiting.
00:13:07.120 --> 00:13:10.879
Sometimes the blessing is who you become while you're waiting.
00:13:10.960 --> 00:13:18.879
And when the right door finally opens, you realize God wasn't wasting the time he was preparing before it.
00:13:19.360 --> 00:13:24.559
That is biblical patience, not passive waiting, faithful waiting.
00:13:24.720 --> 00:13:33.039
And sometimes obedience looks less like doing something and more like having the courage to do nothing until God says, move.
00:13:33.279 --> 00:13:37.360
The world says, if they hurt you, get revenge.
00:13:37.679 --> 00:13:46.799
Culture says, cut them off, expose them, get even, make them regret losing you, show them what they're missing.
00:13:46.960 --> 00:13:50.399
Sometimes boundaries are absolutely necessary.
00:13:51.039 --> 00:13:53.360
But Jesus tells us something radically different.
00:13:53.600 --> 00:14:00.080
Matthew 5, 44, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.
00:14:00.240 --> 00:14:03.120
Think about how counter-cultural that is.
00:14:03.360 --> 00:14:05.919
The world says, make them pay.
00:14:06.159 --> 00:14:08.000
Jesus says, pray for them.
00:14:08.240 --> 00:14:10.000
The world says get revenge.
00:14:10.240 --> 00:14:11.759
Jesus says forgive.
00:14:12.000 --> 00:14:15.519
The world says destroy their reputation.
00:14:16.080 --> 00:14:18.399
Jesus says love them.
00:14:18.799 --> 00:14:21.679
Forgiveness doesn't mean pretending nothing happened.
00:14:21.840 --> 00:14:27.919
Forgiveness means I refuse to let what you did control who I become.
00:14:28.080 --> 00:14:30.960
The world says pride is confidence.
00:14:31.120 --> 00:14:34.480
There's a difference between healthy confidence and pride.
00:14:34.879 --> 00:14:38.720
The world often celebrates, nobody can tell me what to do.
00:14:38.960 --> 00:14:40.799
I don't need anybody.
00:14:41.039 --> 00:14:43.759
I know I'm better than everyone else.
00:14:44.480 --> 00:14:46.080
I deserve everything.
00:14:46.320 --> 00:14:50.159
The scripture repeatedly warns us against pride.
00:14:50.399 --> 00:14:56.000
Proverbs 16, 18 says, pride goes before destruction.
00:14:56.240 --> 00:14:59.679
Biblical righteousness says, be humble.
00:14:59.919 --> 00:15:02.159
That doesn't mean think poorly of yourself.
00:15:02.320 --> 00:15:06.159
It means you don't have to constantly prove that you're better than everyone else.
00:15:06.399 --> 00:15:10.000
You can know your value without needing superiority.
00:15:10.240 --> 00:15:12.799
You can be confident without being arrogant.
00:15:13.039 --> 00:15:16.480
You can succeed without looking down on people.
00:15:16.879 --> 00:15:24.080
You can be gifted without believing you're self-made, because everything we have ultimately comes from God.
00:15:24.240 --> 00:15:28.879
The world says money and success define you.
00:15:29.200 --> 00:15:47.759
Society often measures worth by how much money you make, what you drive, where you live, what you wear, how attractive you are, how many followers you have, how successful your career is, what kind of relationship you're in.
00:15:48.159 --> 00:15:52.000
But Jesus asks a completely different question.
00:15:53.600 --> 00:15:54.879
Who are you becoming?
00:15:55.039 --> 00:15:56.000
Are you loving?
00:15:56.240 --> 00:15:57.600
Are you faithful?
00:15:58.080 --> 00:15:59.279
Are you honest?
00:15:59.519 --> 00:16:00.799
Are you generous?
00:16:01.039 --> 00:16:02.159
Are you humble?
00:16:02.320 --> 00:16:03.759
And are you obedient?
00:16:04.000 --> 00:16:12.159
Matthew 6, 19 through 20 tells us not to store up treasures on earth, but to store up treasures in heaven.
00:16:12.399 --> 00:16:14.559
Success isn't inherently bad.
00:16:14.799 --> 00:16:17.039
Money isn't inherently evil.
00:16:17.360 --> 00:16:19.759
Ambition isn't inherently wrong.
00:16:19.919 --> 00:16:26.080
But when success becomes your identity, you've allowed something other than God to define you.
00:16:26.240 --> 00:16:30.159
The world says, You deserve to be whoever you want.
00:16:30.320 --> 00:16:33.440
This one is especially relevant to relationship.
00:16:33.679 --> 00:16:37.600
Culture says if you love them, that's enough.
00:16:37.840 --> 00:16:40.879
If the chemistry is there, go for it.
00:16:41.200 --> 00:16:44.000
Don't let anyone tell you who you should be with.
00:16:44.480 --> 00:16:51.679
The scripture tells us to be intentional about who we become spiritually connected to.
00:16:52.159 --> 00:16:58.320
2 Corinthians 6.14 speaks about not being unequally yoked.
00:17:00.159 --> 00:17:04.480
For a Christian, dating isn't simply, do I like them?
00:17:04.720 --> 00:17:08.160
It's can we walk toward God together?
00:17:08.400 --> 00:17:20.319
Because the person you marry will influence your spiritual life, your habits, your home, future family, your children, your priorities, your decisions.
00:17:20.559 --> 00:17:22.000
So attraction matters.
00:17:22.319 --> 00:17:26.319
Compatibility matters, but character matters more.
00:17:26.480 --> 00:17:30.000
The world says everyone has their own truth.
00:17:30.160 --> 00:17:35.519
One of the defining areas of modern culture is your truth is your truth.
00:17:35.839 --> 00:17:40.160
The Christianity teaches the truth isn't something we create.
00:17:40.400 --> 00:17:46.400
Jesus said in John 14, 6, I am the way and the truth and the life.
00:17:46.640 --> 00:17:49.039
Truth isn't whatever makes me comfortable.
00:17:49.279 --> 00:17:51.599
Truth isn't whatever gets the most light.
00:17:51.839 --> 00:17:54.799
Truth isn't whatever society votes for.
00:17:55.200 --> 00:17:57.759
Truth is ultimately grounded in God.
00:17:57.920 --> 00:18:01.599
And that means sometimes God's truth will challenge us.
00:18:01.839 --> 00:18:04.720
Sometimes it will confront our behavior.
00:18:04.880 --> 00:18:07.839
Sometimes it will require repentance.
00:18:08.000 --> 00:18:12.240
Sometimes it will force us to admit I was wrong.
00:18:12.400 --> 00:18:15.279
And that's not oppression, that's humility.
00:18:15.519 --> 00:18:18.000
The world says you don't need a change.
00:18:18.240 --> 00:18:22.079
Culture often says, accept yourself the way you are.
00:18:22.319 --> 00:18:25.279
But Christianity contains a beautiful caption.
00:18:25.680 --> 00:18:30.160
God loves you exactly where you are, and he loves you too much to leave you there.
00:18:30.400 --> 00:18:34.720
Romans 6 talks about becoming dead to sin and alive to God.
00:18:34.960 --> 00:18:42.480
2 Corinthians 5, 17 says, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation.
00:18:44.160 --> 00:18:49.200
The Christian life isn't God accepts me, therefore I don't need a change.
00:18:50.000 --> 00:18:54.000
It's God loves me and his love transforms me.
00:18:54.240 --> 00:18:57.039
You don't obey God to earn his love.
00:18:57.279 --> 00:19:01.359
You obey because you've already encountered his love.
00:19:01.599 --> 00:19:05.599
Righteousness is not about looking perfect.
00:19:05.920 --> 00:19:07.759
This is extremely important.
00:19:08.160 --> 00:19:12.240
Biblical righteousness does not mean pretending you're perfect.
00:19:12.400 --> 00:19:15.119
It doesn't mean you never struggle.
00:19:15.279 --> 00:19:16.880
It doesn't mean you never sin.
00:19:17.119 --> 00:19:19.119
It doesn't mean you never make mistakes.
00:19:19.279 --> 00:19:22.400
It means you continually turn to God.
00:19:22.559 --> 00:19:24.480
When you fall, repent.
00:19:24.720 --> 00:19:26.799
When you mess up, confess.
00:19:27.039 --> 00:19:29.599
When you're convicted, listen.
00:19:30.079 --> 00:19:32.960
When God reveals something, surrender it.
00:19:33.119 --> 00:19:41.920
First John 1.9 tells us that if we confess our sins, God is faithful to forgive and cleanse us.
00:19:42.079 --> 00:19:45.680
So righteousness isn't perfection, it's alignment.
00:19:45.839 --> 00:19:50.640
It's continually saying, God, your way over my way.
00:19:50.880 --> 00:19:53.519
Jesus didn't call us to blend in.
00:19:54.079 --> 00:20:04.559
Romans 12.2 says, Do not be conformed to this world's wives, because if you're not intentional, culture will disciple you.
00:20:04.880 --> 00:20:07.200
Social media will disciple you.
00:20:07.519 --> 00:20:10.319
Entertainment will disciple you.
00:20:10.640 --> 00:20:12.880
Your friends will disciple you.
00:20:13.519 --> 00:20:18.880
Relationship will disciple you, and your desires will disciple you.
00:20:19.119 --> 00:20:21.279
Something is always shaping you.
00:20:21.599 --> 00:20:24.640
The question isn't, am I being influenced?
00:20:24.799 --> 00:20:28.079
The question is who is influencing me?
00:20:28.240 --> 00:20:40.960
If everything you're consuming tells you, chase pleasure, get revenge, make money, look beautiful, get attention, follow your desires, do whatever feels good.
00:20:41.119 --> 00:20:44.079
Eventually those messages begin to feel normal.
00:20:44.240 --> 00:20:46.720
That's why scripture tells us to renew our mind.
00:20:47.039 --> 00:20:49.839
What does a righteous life actually look like?
00:20:50.160 --> 00:21:04.160
Galatians 5 gives us the fruit of the spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.
00:21:04.480 --> 00:21:12.240
Imagine if we measured our spiritual growth by those things instead of how much Bible knowledge we have.
00:21:12.480 --> 00:21:16.160
Ask yourself, am I more patient than I used to be?
00:21:16.400 --> 00:21:17.599
Am I kinder?
00:21:17.839 --> 00:21:19.920
Do I have more self-control?
00:21:20.160 --> 00:21:22.400
Do I forgive more easily?
00:21:22.640 --> 00:21:24.640
Do I speak differently?
00:21:24.960 --> 00:21:26.880
Do I treat people differently?
00:21:27.119 --> 00:21:28.720
Do I have more peace?
00:21:29.039 --> 00:21:31.119
Am I becoming more like Jesus?
00:21:31.440 --> 00:21:35.759
Because spiritual maturity isn't simply knowing more scripture.
00:21:35.920 --> 00:21:38.160
It's becoming more like Christ.
00:21:38.400 --> 00:21:42.240
There may come a point when obedience makes you look strange.
00:21:42.480 --> 00:21:44.400
You don't drink because you don't want to.
00:21:44.559 --> 00:21:47.920
You don't sleep around because of your convictions.
00:21:48.079 --> 00:21:50.319
You don't participate in gossip.
00:21:50.480 --> 00:21:52.000
You don't retaliate.
00:21:52.160 --> 00:21:53.440
You don't manipulate.
00:21:53.599 --> 00:21:56.640
You don't chase relationships out of desperation.
00:21:56.880 --> 00:21:59.759
You don't compromise your faith to fit in.
00:22:00.319 --> 00:22:03.200
And people may ask, why are you like this?
00:22:03.359 --> 00:22:05.119
You might feel like you're missing out.
00:22:05.359 --> 00:22:09.519
But remember, you weren't called to fit into the world.
00:22:09.759 --> 00:22:11.599
You were called to follow Jesus.
00:22:11.839 --> 00:22:20.400
1 Peter 1.15 says, as he who called you is holy, you also be holy.
00:22:20.640 --> 00:22:26.319
Holiness means being set apart, not better than everyone, but different.
00:22:26.480 --> 00:22:31.359
The world will call some things freedom that are actually bondage.
00:22:31.599 --> 00:22:34.480
This may be one of the biggest contradictions.
00:22:34.720 --> 00:22:38.960
The world says do whatever you want, that's freedom.
00:22:39.200 --> 00:22:42.000
But what happens when your desires control you?
00:22:42.160 --> 00:22:43.279
That's not freedom.
00:22:43.519 --> 00:22:44.559
That's bondage.
00:22:44.720 --> 00:22:48.400
If you can't stop growing, you're not free.
00:22:48.640 --> 00:22:52.240
You can't stop seeking validation, you're not free.
00:22:52.480 --> 00:22:55.759
If you can't stop drinking, you're not free.
00:22:56.079 --> 00:23:01.119
If you can't stop having sex outside your convictions, you're not free.
00:23:01.359 --> 00:23:04.319
If you can't stop gossiping, you're not free.
00:23:04.559 --> 00:23:09.039
If you can't stop checking whether someone likes you, you're not free.
00:23:09.920 --> 00:23:14.640
Biblical freedom isn't I can do anything I want.
00:23:14.799 --> 00:23:18.960
It's I no longer have to be controlled by everything I want.
00:23:19.200 --> 00:23:20.559
That's real freedom.
00:23:20.720 --> 00:23:26.640
So how do we live righteously in a world that is moving in the opposite direction?
00:23:27.440 --> 00:23:29.440
First, know God's word.
00:23:30.319 --> 00:23:33.279
You cannot live according to a standard you don't know.
00:23:33.519 --> 00:23:34.559
Second, right?
00:23:35.039 --> 00:23:38.240
Ask God to expose what needs to change.
00:23:38.480 --> 00:23:41.039
Third, watch what influences you.
00:23:41.200 --> 00:23:43.279
Be intentional about what you can do.
00:23:43.519 --> 00:23:46.160
Fourth, choose your community wisely.
00:23:46.880 --> 00:23:49.359
The people closest to you influence you.
00:23:50.400 --> 00:23:59.759
Even the church you attend, the preacher you listen to, the podcast you listen to.
00:24:01.119 --> 00:24:05.599
Use your discernment because not everyone who preaches is in Christ.
00:24:05.920 --> 00:24:10.160
You know, even Satan himself knows scripture.
00:24:11.680 --> 00:24:14.640
So your community really does matter.
00:24:15.839 --> 00:24:21.359
Practice obedience, small things, don't wait for some huge spiritual assignment.
00:24:21.680 --> 00:24:22.960
Honor God today.
00:24:23.759 --> 00:24:25.759
Tell the truth today.
00:24:26.160 --> 00:24:27.920
Forgive today.
00:24:28.880 --> 00:24:30.880
Set the boundary today.
00:24:31.440 --> 00:24:35.680
Control your tongue today and serve someone today.
00:24:36.000 --> 00:24:37.839
Six, repent quickly.
00:24:38.000 --> 00:24:41.920
Don't become comfortable with what God is asking you to surrender.
00:24:42.079 --> 00:24:46.640
And finally, remember grace, because you're going to mess up.
00:24:46.799 --> 00:24:50.960
The goal isn't to walk around terrified that God is waiting to punish you.
00:24:51.200 --> 00:24:56.960
The goal is to walk closely enough with Him that you actually want to become more like Him.
00:24:57.200 --> 00:25:00.880
You don't have to become the world in order to reach the world.
00:25:01.039 --> 00:25:04.799
You don't have to compromise your convictions to be accepted.
00:25:05.039 --> 00:25:12.960
You don't have to water down your faith to be like, you don't have to participate in everything everyone else participates in.
00:25:13.279 --> 00:25:17.920
You don't have to hate people who don't believe what you believe.
00:25:18.079 --> 00:25:21.279
Jesus loved people deeply while still speaking truth.
00:25:21.440 --> 00:25:22.640
That's our example.
00:25:22.799 --> 00:25:24.799
We can love without compromising.
00:25:25.119 --> 00:25:27.680
We can have boundaries without hatred.
00:25:30.240 --> 00:25:33.200
We can speak truth without arrogance.
00:25:33.359 --> 00:25:37.519
We can disagree without dehumanizing people.
00:25:37.680 --> 00:25:45.200
And most importantly, we can look at our own lives before we point fingers at everyone else's.
00:25:45.440 --> 00:25:56.559
Because maybe the greatest revival begins when Christians stop asking what's wrong with the world and start asking, God, what do you want to change in me?
00:25:56.799 --> 00:26:16.400
Maybe it's your attitude, maybe it's your relationships, maybe it's your choices, maybe it's your unforgiveness, maybe it's your addiction to validation, maybe it's your anger, jealousy, gossip, maybe it's your desire to be accepted, or maybe it's your unwillingness to surrender.
00:26:16.559 --> 00:26:19.519
Whatever it is, don't run from conviction.
00:26:19.759 --> 00:26:21.119
Let God use it.
00:26:21.359 --> 00:26:24.240
Because conviction isn't condemnation.
00:26:24.559 --> 00:26:29.440
Conviction, an invitation to become more like Him.
00:26:29.680 --> 00:26:32.480
And maybe that's what righteousness really looks like.
00:26:32.720 --> 00:26:38.319
Not perfection, not pretending, not judging everyone else.
00:26:38.559 --> 00:27:00.240
But waking up every morning and saying this, God, I surrender, renew my mind, cleanse my heart, change my desires, teach me how to love, teach me how to forgive, teach me how to walk away, teach me how to obey, make me more like Jesus.
00:27:00.480 --> 00:27:04.480
Because the world doesn't need more Christians who simply say they're different.
00:27:04.720 --> 00:27:08.640
It needs more Christians who actually live differently.
00:27:08.880 --> 00:27:10.160
Let's pray.
00:27:11.279 --> 00:27:19.440
Father, help us live according to your truth in a world that constantly tells us to follow our own way.
00:27:20.079 --> 00:27:21.680
Renew our minds.
00:27:22.240 --> 00:27:23.839
Give us discernment.
00:27:24.240 --> 00:27:28.640
Help us recognize when we've allowed culture to influence us more than your word.
00:27:29.039 --> 00:27:32.240
Teach us the areas where we've compromised.
00:27:32.400 --> 00:27:35.599
Show us the areas where pride has taken over.
00:27:35.839 --> 00:27:38.559
Show us where we're chasing validation.
00:27:38.799 --> 00:27:43.119
Show us where we're allowing our emotions to lead instead of your spirit.
00:27:43.279 --> 00:27:45.519
Give us the courage to live differently.
00:27:45.759 --> 00:27:47.920
Give us humility when we're wrong.
00:27:48.160 --> 00:27:50.480
Give us grace when we fall.
00:27:50.720 --> 00:27:52.640
Give us strength to repent.
00:27:52.799 --> 00:27:57.519
And help us never confuse righteousness with thinking we're better than other people.
00:27:57.759 --> 00:28:01.759
Teach us to love people deeply while remaining faithful to you.
00:28:02.000 --> 00:28:14.799
Make us people of integrity, people of truth, people of compassion, people of self-control, people of forgiveness, people of courage, people who reflect Jesus.
00:28:14.960 --> 00:28:26.559
And when the world tells us that following you is outdated, restrictive, or unnecessary, remind us that your ways lead to life.
00:28:26.799 --> 00:28:29.519
Help us choose you again and again.
00:28:29.759 --> 00:28:31.200
In Jesus' name.
00:28:31.440 --> 00:28:32.000
Amen.
00:28:32.240 --> 00:28:35.440
Before we leave, I want you to ask yourself three questions.
00:28:35.680 --> 00:28:41.039
Number one, where have I allowed culture to influence me more than scripture?
00:28:42.720 --> 00:28:46.640
Number two, what is God asking me to surrender?
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Number three, what would change in my life if I actually lived like God's word was my highest authority?
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Don't just listen to this episode.
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Sit with it, pray about it, and let God show you what needs to change.
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Because sometimes the most radical thing you can do in a culture obsessed with following yourself is simply say, Not my will, but yours, be done.
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God bless us.
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Before we close, I just want to remind you that healing is something we get to keep choosing.
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One day, one decision, one honest moment at a time.
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If something you heard today resonated with you, don't feel like you have to walk through it alone.
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Subscribe and stay connected because there's so much more we're going to unpack together here.
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And if you want something to come back to between episodes, my book and devotional guide are in the show notes for you too.
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And that is another thing you have to do, but as resources you can reach for when you need encouragement, reflection, or a little reminder that you are still growing.
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Take what you need from today's conversation, sit with it and give yourself grace.
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I'm so glad you're here.
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I'll see you next time on Feel by Amanda Grace.
