Change your world!

2 Corinthians 1:20 For all the promises of God in Him are Yes, and in Him Amen, to the glory of God through us.

2 Peter 1:3-4 as His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue, by which have been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises, that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.

Living in Israel can be interesting. The people here are brutally honest. They’ll tell you what’s on their mind, no holding back. If you’ve gained a few pounds, you’re surely gonna to hear about it. If you’re standing in line at the store or wherever, you can pretty much expect someone to cut right to the front of the line with a sad excuse if any at all.

While I understand that there is a “survival mentality” at work here (every man for himself), I’ll have to admit, I’m still adjusting to this aspect of the culture.

My wife calls this aggressive behavior she sometimes too displays (especially when she’s the one patiently standing in line when someone else butts forward), “just being Israeli”. But I say, God expects more of us as believers, no? And somewhere deep down, I know she agrees — lol.

There’s a story told of a man who was meditating by a brook in the countryside when suddenly he noticed a scorpion caught in the swirling current struggling desperately trying to climb onto a rock. The old man felt for the creature and earnestly tried to help it, but every time he reached down, the scorpion would strike. Meanwhile, a passerby happened upon this struggle. “Sir”, he said, “don’t you realize that it is the nature of a scorpion to attack and sting?” “Of course” replied the man, “but it is my nature to save and rescue. Why should I change my nature just because the scorpion doesn’t change his?”

This man didn’t let the attacking, stinging scorpion change his kind and gentle nature. So should we never allow our environment to influence our behavior, no matter where we are.

God has not called us to follow the ways of this world. He’s called us to lead with His gentleness and love! If we are going to world changers, we have to step up and be the example, be the light God has called us to be. Let’s strive for excellence!