Being Surprised!

“I’m surprised at you!” Those are words sometimes stated when someone is shocked by the actions of another. But in a world where many seem so content to let just about anything go, some are surprised by nothing anymore. We need to guard against becoming so accustomed to seeing wrong that we are no longer bothered by it, because for such to occur is easier than we might think. Gradual immoral changes around us can become for us like the frog in the pot of water of which the temperature is slowly, but steadily increased until the frog is cooked. This is in contrast to the shock of a sudden temperature change which would normally cause the frog to immediately hop out, thus saving its life.

Consider another side to being surprised. Just as there are varying views with regard to what is acceptable and unacceptable, so there are varying reasons why people are surprised.

After listing several sins among the world (note 1 Peter 4:3), Peter stated…
“(4) With respect to this THEY ARE SURPRISED WHEN YOU DO NOT JOIN THEM IN THE SAME flood of debauchery, and they malign you; (5) but they will give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead.” ( 1 Peter 4:4-5 ESV)

Verse four in the New Living Translation reads: “ Of course, YOUR FORMER FRIENDS ARE VERY SURPRISED WHEN YOU NO LONGER JOIN THEM IN THE WICKED THINGS THEY DO, and they say evil things about you.” [NLT, © 1997, Wheaton, Ill.; Tyndale House]

Teens, think seriously before you say to your parents, “But everyone else is doing it.” Perhaps that alone might be good reason to not be involved. And that is good advice for all of us regardless of age.

Let the world be surprised! Our personal quest needs to be that of remaining focused on LIVING “FOR THE WILL OF GOD” ( 1 Peter 4:2) regardless of what might be going on around us. Let it be clearly seen we are LIVING BY A HIGHER STANDARD than that of the world. If the world refuses to acknowledge it now, they will surely be surprised when the time comes to give an accounting of their life. May the righteous choices we make reveal “THE WISDOM FROM ABOVE” ( James 3:13 & 17) with the hope those around us will be convicted by the truth regarding right and wrong while there is still opportunity for repentance.

Have a great day AS A BRIGHT LIGHT IN A DARK WORLD!
Carl

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