What are We Doing?

Being a female, I am still trying to understand the things that a male mind is attracted to and why... What can I do to prevent my brother(s) in Christ from stumbling... This is not always an easy task.

Do I dress in a way that is provocative? Am I flirtatious (even if its not purposeful)? Do I say one thing and do another? Am I trustworthy? What things can I do to not only benefit myself, but to be a good example to the hundreds of people I encounter every week? How can I make an impact? How can I show God's love and be a light in the darkness around me?

The things that I do impact others. Sometimes in a small way; or sometimes in a huge way that I may not even find out about.

Our Scriptures for this week:

Luke 6:31, "Do to others as you would like them to do to you." (NLT)

I wouldn't want a guy or girl to dress or act in a way that was going to make it hard for me to remain pure in my thinking and actions, so why would I want to do or wear (or act like) something that would make it difficult for them?

1 Timothy 4:12, "Don't let anyone think less of you because you are young. Be an example to all believers in what you say, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity." (NLT)

Just because we are young, it doesn't give us an excuse to pretend we don't know what is going on around us. We should be examples to others in everything that we say and do, but it shouldn't be limited to when we are around others. We should be obedient and follow what God's Word says even when nobody is watching.

Titus 2:7, "And you yourself must be an example to them by doing good works of every kind. Let everything you do reflect the integrity and seriousness of your teaching." (NLT)

Practice what you preach. Don't just say, "Oh, that top is too tight on her... Look at how short that girl's dress is." But then buy a low cut shirt with tight jeans yourself. Don't be a hypocrite...

Romans 12, "Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer 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.

3For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you. 4Just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, 5so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. 6We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man’s gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith. 7If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; 8if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully.

9Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. 10Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. 11Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. 12Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. 13Share with God’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.

14Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. 15Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. 16Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.

17Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. 18If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. 19Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. 20On the contrary: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.”

21Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good." (NIV)

(Vs. 1-2) Don't do what the world does. Think outside the box. What does God say in the Bible about your situation? What would Jesus do?

(vs. 3)You are not all that... Sometimes we might think we have the best plan or the greatest intentions when we really don't. (Proverbs 21:2)

(vs. 4-8) Yes, I am an individual, but I have tons of brothers and sisters in Christ. We are each a part of God's family, so we should do everything we can to help and serve one another.

(vs. 9-10) Love one another! The two greatest commandments were to LOVE. (Luke 10:27, "He answered: "'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind'; and, 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'")

(vs. 11-16) Be thankful in every circumstance. God is in control, so we don't have to worry about things. Just trust Him. Meanwhile rejoice and be joyful in everything that God has blessed you with! Be hospitable, kind, and unselfish. Serve others, and treat them the way you want to be treated!

(vs. 17-21) There is a time and a season for everything. God will take care of you, and handle anyone who does you wrong... Good always out weights evil.

We need to overcome the world's point of view and the world's way of life. Just because they wear tight clothing, curse every other word, or go to X rated movies doesn't mean we have to. We should set our standards higher than the world's.

What are some of your standards? What are some things that set you apart from the world, or outwardly show you are a child of God?

As always, I would love to hear your thoughts! Comment or e-mail me (girlbiblestudy@hotmail.com)!

~ S*