Reach4Life- Journey 3: Liveنمونہ

DAY ONE: THE MEDIA

“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” Romans 12:2, NIV

Having worked through the second journey, Grow, you are now ready to learn how to live as a follower of Jesus. Want to live to the max? Read on!

LISTEN

It’s rumored that a frog in a pot of water that’s very slowly brought to the boil won’t jump out, because it doesn’t notice the gradually rising temperature. The media (music, movies, magazines, TV, radio and internet) can also slowly kill godly values and our walk with God – without us even realizing it. The media spews out lies that if we aren’t careful, will undermine our purity and faith – lies like ‘Sleep around!’, ‘It’s alright to take revenge’, ‘Being rich, beautiful and famous – will make you happy!’, ‘All religions lead to God!’, ‘Don’t allow anyone to tell you how to live – it’s your life!’ and ‘God and faith are old-fashioned!’

Let’s learn how to ‘jump’ away from the lies and avoid our hearts being slowly cooked in the process!

LOOK

Romans 12:1-2

LEARN

God is holy and merciful (v1). Our relationship with him begins to change us so that we better reflect his holiness to the world. We must offer every area of our lives to God as an act of worship (v1).

Here’s the challenge:

We’re surrounded by a culture where God’s Word and ways are not known, respected or obeyed. Everywhere we look, people seem to be happily sinning and living without even thinking about God. We are pressured to become like them, instead of being transformed to be like Jesus (v2).

How do we actively resist this happening?

Let your way of thinking be completely changed (v2). Fill your mind every day with a portion of God’s Word. Evaluate everything you see or hear against God’s Word. Also, take control over what you watch, look at, read, think about, and listen to. Close your eyes, change the channel, disconnect if there’s violence, nudity, or sexy images coming your way. A life offered to God (v1) combined with a mind guarded and renewed by God’s Word leads to a changed life, and the ultimate thrill of knowing God’s will (v2).

LIVE

· What effects have you noticed the media having on your faith and values?

· How can you keep a renewed mind in the future?

LINK

For more on The Media, read:

Philippians 4:8