Romans 8:12-13

Romans 8:12-13 (NIV)

Therefore, brothers, we have an obligation – but it is not to the sinful nature, to live according to it.  For if you live according to the sinful nature, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live.

There is a cliché that is perpetuated by the church that says that there is nothing that the world has to offer you.  Not putting down what the saints of old were saying, because in a sense, it’s true.  However, in this world that we live in, there is plenty to get into, that may be viewed of as fun.  When we were young, we couldn’t wait to get legal, so we could go to the club, have our first drink, party all night, and hang out with whoever we wanted to, thinking that we were grown, and didn’t have to answer to anyone.  A lot of kids that are raised in strict families, lose their minds when they move out, or go away to college, because they think that they don’t have anyone preaching to them anymore, and that they don’t need to be disciplined anymore.  That is the furthest thing from the truth.  It might sound and seem fun to be away from Mom and Dad, and live the good life…until something happens.  If you don’t develop a relationship with Christ at an early age, you will not know how to handle the stress of life when it ultimately hits you in the face.  There are situations that you can get into, that you have no idea how to get out of, except to pray.  Mama’s prayers are great, but you’d better know how to pray down Heaven for yourself, in your own voice.  This is why if you are living for the next good time, you won’t make it, but if you have the mindset that you’re going to live for Christ, no matter what everyone else is doing, then you will live, and be able to lead others to Him as well.  Sometimes, it’s better to not experience things, and have a greater testimony, than to experience so much, and have to share what God delivered you from.  Just a thought.