It seems like every time I log onto social media, I see an endless amount of modern-day Christians but hardly any Christ followers. Hardly any disciples. People who would prefer to be comfortable with sin this world has to offer than to step out of their comfort zone and share Him with the world surrounding them.

Cussing. Arguing. Shaming. Putting others down. Just “having a drink”.

These are just a few examples I’ve seen lately from “modern-day Christians”.

Christians, this is not okay. It hurts my heart every day to know that these people are acting as representations of Christ and distorting the world’s view of Him when we are called to be as Christ-like as possible.

This is a perfect example of Christians becoming influenced by the world. And I get it completely, I understand how hard it is to be separated from the world when it’s all we see and all we’re surrounded by. Our friends do it, so why can’t we? I have one answer for you: because God is so needed in this generation and He needs us to bring Him back into this generation. He needs us to be leaders in a generation of followers. He needs us to speak loudly. Boldly. With determination. With purpose.

Being separated from the world and one with His kingdom is the hardest thing you will have to do. You will be persecuted, you will be slandered, you will be shamed, you will be put down… But each time you are persecuted for His name, rejoice. Rejoice because it’s better to be persecuted for His kingdom than to be loved for this world.

“If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you.” // John 15:19

The world will give you absolutely no satisfaction. Trust me, I’ve tried. It truly is such a dark place. The things of the world can be so overwhelming to the flesh, but you were not called to be a part of it; you were called to be a light amidst the darkness. You were called to stand out, not fit in. You were called to pray for the lost and burdened souls. To step out of your comfort zone and pray for that person you see sick or hurting sitting in Starbucks or wherever you may end up.

Remember this; the people you come across daily are temporary. They’re in your life for a season. Life itself is a season. Heaven is eternal. So, would you rather be comfortable in sin for a season, or satisfied  with what Jesus did on the cross eternally?

Jesus is keeping track of how many people you lead to Him. He is looking forward to reward you for each person the moment you see Him face to face as He provides you with your crown and each ruby implanted on the crown. I don’t know about you, but I want my crown to have to be extended because all of the rubies can’t fit on it. This is the kind of crown I want to lay at His feet.

You’ve heard it a thousand times and you’re about to hear it again; you were placed on this earth for one purpose and one purpose only: to lead as many people to His kingdom and away from their sins as possible. Just because you were born into this world, doesn’t mean you were born of it. This world is not your home. The very second He created the heavens, He created your mansion saying “this one is made specifically for you”. That is your home. Not the place you’re going to sleep tonight.

So the next time the world tries to influence you, remember this; this is only a spec of time. I can’t say this enough, it’s not worth it. It’s not worth it to lose what you were created for because you thought sin was more satisfying. Joy comes from Him and Him alone. The joy He has to offer is so much greater than any joy the world has to offer.

In the world, not of it.

“Do not love the world or things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world-the desires of the flesh and the desires of the yes and pride in possessions-is not from the Father but is from the world. And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever.” // 1 John 2:15-17