Title: Wordly Trends
Memorize: And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. Romans 12:2 (Nkjv)
Bible Reading: Matthew 5:14-16 (Nkjv)
[14] “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden.
[15] Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house.
[16] Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.
Message:
When people say, “When in Rome, be (behave, dress, eat) like the Romans,” it is true to an extent. However, this saying should be examined within the context of matters relating to the kingdom of God. There was a time when we were evangelising in the northern part of Nigeria, and the Holy Spirit told us to put on ‘Babariga’ (a flowing attire worn by northern men) with caps while our sisters wrapped their heads with turban scarves. The people gladly accepted the message of Christ because we dressed like them. However, if we go to hotels and clubhouses for evangelism, do you think the people would listen to Pastor Adeboye if he is dressed in crazy jeans and is wearing tinted hair? Would they respect my wife if they saw her wearing a skimpy skirt, long artificial hair, and heavy makeup?
My dear child, the world knows those who belong to Jesus by the way they dress. You may say that God sees your heart, but human beings judge the state of your heart by your appearance. Some of them wish that they had the discipline to embrace Christian dressing, but it becomes more difficult for them when they see you copying them.
Reflection:
Does your dressing show that you have truly surrendered all to Jesus?
HYMN 41: Jesus, My Lord, My God, My All
Jesus, My Lord, My God, My All,
Hear Me, Blest Saviour, When I Call;
Hear Me, And From Thy Dwelling Place
Pour Down The Riches Of Thy Grace;
Refrain:
Jesus, My Lord, I Thee Adore;
Oh Make Me Love Thee More And More.
Jesus, Too Late I Thee Have Sought;
How Can I Love Thee As I Ought?
And How Extol Thy Matchless Fame,
The Glorious Beauty Of Thy Name? [Refrain]
Jesus, What Didst Thou Find In Me,
That Thou Hast Dealt So Lovingly?
How Great The Joy That Thou Hast Brought
So Far Exceeding Hope Or Thought! [Refrain]
Jesus, Of Thee Shall Be My Song,
To Thee My Heart And Soul Belong;
All That I Have Or Am Is Thine,
And Thou, Blest Saviour, Thou Art Mine. [Refrain]
Bible In One Year: Jeremiah 51:1-53, Titus 2:1-15
Authors: Pastor E.A. Adeboye and Pastor Folu Adeboye