You shall not follow other gods, any of the gods of the peoples who surround you.
From an early age, we experience the influence of peer pressure. You can ask a child why they did something, and their first response is often, “Because they were doing it.” It is in our nature to desire to be like others, but we were not designed to be like the people around us. We were made in God’s image, to be like Him. The examples we choose to emulate or give influence to are not always reflective of God. We pick up the bad habits like selfishness and pride. We start to pursue the gods of earthly comfort or prosperity.
As followers of Christ, we have been united with Him and reconciled to the Father. So, we have all we need. We don’t have to be turn to the sources others seek for fulfillment or be swayed by the pursuit of anything outside of Christ. Romans 12:1-2 says, “Therefore I urge you, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.” We are called to live surrendered to God, be transformed by Him, and made into His likeness in all we do. It is only in Him we find true satisfaction and purpose.
- Who are some people you are easily influenced by? What are some ways you imitate them?
- Where are you in danger of turning to something outside of God for fulfillment? What needs to change?
- Pray and thank God that He is the one true God and is faithful when we surrender to Him.
