This World

With rising costs of food and just about everything else, makes sense to cut back, right? Too much of anything of this world is not good for us no matter how much we might enjoy it. But I hate to say good-bye to wine and chocolate! That’s my comfort food!

Frivolity aside, today’s problems show us that it is better to be in this world, but not of it. We need only to watch the news to see the chaos of so-called world values. “Do not conform yourselves to this age but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and pleasing and perfect” [Romans 12:2].

Following the will of God provides us a stability that this world cannot provide. In good times and bad, temptations of this world always lurk. Currently, in the midst of economic and social strife, we see attacks on religion, traditional values, and the value of human life. All the more reason to put ourselves squarely in God’s hands.

Keep the Faith

Faith in God provides a protective shield for our body, mind, heart, and soul. Protection inside keeps corruption out. “In all circumstances, hold faith as a shield, to quench all [the] flaming arrows of the evil one” [Ephesians 6:16].

But my faith is not strong. I tire of praying. Frankly, wine and chocolate give me enjoyable comfort, but that comfort is fleeting. On the other hand, subtle changes do occur as a result of prayer. Changes such as removing internal obstacles in our relationship with our Lord.

God knows perseverance in prayer is difficult, especially when we have doubts in difficult times. However, “If God so clothes the grass of the field, which grows today and is thrown into the oven tomorrow, will he not much more provide for you, O you of little faith?” [Matthew 6:30]. God gave His Son Jesus Christ to this world for us to unite with Him.

In this unity, our Savior lives within us by way of the Holy Spirit. God’s graces come to us—to be accepted and shared by the way we live. Our Lord’s ways become our ways, detaching us from corruptive influences. Holding onto our faith, we can be conduits for God’s holiness in this world.

Saints and Souls

By putting our Lord first in our lives, everything else falls into its proper place. We are called to love one another and be faithful stewards of God’s beautiful creations in this world in order to enter the Kingdom of Heaven. This requires a daily commitment.

Consider the saints who came before us. They were flawed people who were transformed by the light of God’s Word. Despite the troubles and temptations of this world, their light never went out. The saints continue to light the way for us. Truly, we have saints for every challenge.

With saints as our examples and guides, we too can live holy, righteous lives through our words and deeds. We can’t do that with wine and chocolate! Like the saints, detached from worldly wants, let us stand strong with our Lord to save our souls and the souls of others. May we secure the journey to Heaven with our faithful prayers, good works, and sacrifices in this world. Amen!