Thou Shalt Not Conform

“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--his good, pleasing and perfect will” (Romans 12:2, NIV).

Church martyrs from the past like Ignatius and Polycarp made an impact to my life through their life stories and their eagerness to fight for Jesus. They died in a cruel way yet it was a fulfilling act just for the Lord. I have learned that your love for the Lord will surely reflect on how you would act for the Lord. I can say that they really have great faith and love for God that they are willing to die for Him. It reminded me of one of the challenging verses in the Bible that is found in Romans 14:8 “If we live, we live for the Lord; and if we die, we die for the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord”. I'm honestly saying that it's my first time to know some of the church fathers who made a great part of HIS story.

I've reflected on my relationship with the Lord on how far I would go for Him. I was thinking that I still have a lot of friends that haven't known Jesus Christ yet. I am truthfully challenged by their lives to also do my part in God's story. I am very well convinced that the Lord will surely be with me by the time when I'm tested with my faith. I know that the Lord won't allow me to conform and have a safety life. Instead, I will be bold enough to courageously face it.

To avoid conformity I'll do the following:

1.I will build stronger relationship with Jesus Christ by being faithful with my devotional and quiet time with Him.
2. I will continually pray for the missionaries or the followers of Christ who were tested of their faith.
3. I will be fully equipped here at BTC for a better preparation of the days to come when I will be in the field.
4. I will build support system who would pray and remind me of my commitment to the Lord.
5. I would practice to have faith that is not dead but a radical faith that would surely endure in times of trials.

A Week of Realizations and Learnings

          Last Wednesday, November 11, 2015, we had our batch devotion and we were divided into small groups. I happened to be group mates with Sonny and Babygane. We tackled on the passage found in Acts 5:17-25 and we enjoyed discussing on how courageous the apostles during those times. Honestly, I was greatly amazed on how our discussion went through and it opened up my mind to value our Church history.
         The following day we had a class on Church History and we had a film showing. It was awesome because the video we've watched was really relevant to our discussion the night before. I have known two people this week and those were Ignatius and Polycarp. They played great role in the Christian history. They fought a great fight for Jesus. They were so bold in  sharing their faith to others.
         Their life and experienced opened my eyes to the reality. I was thinking if I were on their shoes, what would I do? What will I choose? Am I one of those who would fight for Jesus even if it would cost me death? or am I like those Christians who denied Christ for the sake of their safety? This thought scared me yet it's the reality that Christians should or would be facing.
        Today's generation, especially here in the Philippines, it is indeed a blessing that we are able to freely share what we believed. As a Bible school student, I was truly encouraged and challenged not to be lax in sharing the gospel to others. I should continue to equip myself for the future work the Lord will entrust me. I can do this by having a good relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ. Continue to gain knowledge and confidence on the faith I have believed . Continue to love the Lord with all my heart, soul and strength cause I know someday that LOVE would drive me to fight for Him even it would pay me death.