I hear a lot of people say, “why would do without anything I want?”. We see it everywhere on T.V. , the movies, music and on the internet that excess in all forms is the key to true happiness in this life. The world wants you to compare yourself and your level of happiness to what things you need in this world to make you complete. If the Jones can step over or on someone to further themselves then that's what we all should do. If they can drink, do drugs, hurt people, kill people, destroy kids and families, steal or lie to get what they want, THEN WHY DON’T I DO IT !!
The reason is simple. We we are not called to be like the Jones, but to be like our savior, Jesus Christ. He will not belittle you or make you feel inferior because you make mistakes or because you don't have something. He accepts you as you are. He loves you through your battle and strengthens you to stay strong. Yes, you will fall short but He does not leave you and He never will. One thing that He wants is for you to repent and to start again. Peter walked with Christ and felt the grace that simply glowed off of Him, but he fell short in his darkest time and denied Jesus three times. Then Jesus came back to him and simply asked if Peter loved Him. I think it’s funny that He asked him three times. Peter was accepted back by Christ and that's not the only time Peter failed and got caught up with the voice of the world as we do. But he did repent and tried not to make those same mistakes again.
The people we have in our lives are a big part of who we remain to be. Like my mother always said," If you lay down with dogs you’re gonna get up with fleas". So to stay in a stronger area in your life without addiction you cannot hang with addicts. Even if it’s not your addiction it will weaken you. If you have the right people around you then the life that God wants for you is attainable and it will be glorious. Then, the worlds grip doesn't seem strong at all.
2 Timothy 3:1-7 But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty. For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good, treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people. ...
Because everyone you know is not looking out for your best interest/ They may just want your money or your company.
1 John 4:1-6 Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world. By this you know the Spirit of God: every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, and every spirit that does not confess Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you heard was coming and now is in the world already. Little children, you are from God and have overcome them, for he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world. They are from the world; therefore they speak from the world, and the world listens to them. ..
In closing, just remember that the role model we are asked to follow did not drive a nice car or live in the biggest house or party every night and watch porn or gossip. He lived for others, His joy came from love and sharing of God's word. He wore tattered clothes and loved us despite of us. He came to die for us, not to kill us. That just does not make sense to this world. So share the Word with your children.
Colossians 3:16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.
God bless you all.