May 5, 2025/
A LEADER is someone who leads, and caters to the individual or common needs of his tribe. He or she is not known by a certain title, position, or an assigned office. A Leader...
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Standing Firm
by Lena Joseph
After a fun day at my friend’s house, I drove home, savoring the silence and soft, calming music playing in the background. There’s something peaceful about quiet drives—moments to reflect, breathe, and simply be.
Then, deep within, a quiet yet undeniable presence stirred. It wasn’t an audible voice, but a whisper in my spirit, calming as ever,
‘Friendship with the world is hostility with God.’
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" Friendship with the world is enmity with God."
James 4:4
NIV BIBLE
The words settled over me, pressing gently yet firmly on my heart. A reminder, a conviction, a moment of truth.
“Lord my guard went up, “I didn’t party, or drink, or was being promiscuous, I left that life, I wasn’t doing anything bad.”
Yet, the words remained, stirring something deeper within me.
But did you gossip? Did you stand by when someone was falsely accused, did you say anything, or did you listen?
I didn’t want to cause trouble! I wasn’t part of it, I didn’t participate…
Yet, in that moment, the weight of the question remained. Silence, too, is a choice.
Then, suddenly, an image appeared—like a vision unfolding before me. I saw my friend in a party atmosphere, dancing, a red cup in her hand. But what startled me most is that I was holding her cup.
What I learned next wasn’t just eye-opening—it was transformative. It reshaped the way I view my lifestyle, challenged how I approach friendships, and even shifted my perspective on the close-knit connections I hold dear.
The party atmosphere represents the world—its customs, traditions, and values. And in these times, when things seem so backward, where good is called evil and evil is praised, it’s easy to lose sight of what truly matters.
The lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, the pride of life—these are the distractions that pull many away. Non-believers live like there’s no tomorrow, chasing fleeting moments. But believers are called to live by biblical standards, holding on to truth and unwavering morals.
Think about the phrase, ‘YOLO—You only live once!’ It’s the mindset of indulgence, the call to party, drink, and enjoy life without restraint. ‘Don’t be so uptight,’ they say. ‘Live a little!’ But at what cost?
The fact that I was present in that vision revealed something deeper—I was an active participant in my friend’s life, forging memories, walking alongside her. That’s what friendship is, after all.
But what shocked me the most was seeing myself holding her cup—helping her drink poison. Not physical poison, but spiritual destruction. When she gossiped, when she slandered, she was unknowingly harming her spirit. And my silence? It spoke louder than words. By staying quiet, I had allowed her to believe I was okay with it. Without realizing it, I had become an accomplice to her downfall.
Let’s take a closer look at our friendships. When our friend starts gossiping, do we just stand by, nodding and agreeing? Or do we step in, choosing to be the light in the darkness? When couples argue and we are caught in the middle, silently observing, are we not, in some way, an accomplice to the conflict?
This relationship was toxic for me, and deep down, I knew it. Yet, I listened. I nodded. I agreed when certain conversations would arise. I didn’t speak my truth. I didn’t intervene.
And in my silence, I enabled the very things I knew were wrong.
DO NOT CONFORM!
Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind
Romans 12:2
NIV BIBLE
A powerful call to intentional living—it’s about choosing transformation over conformity, allowing God’s truth to shape our thoughts and actions.
Romans 12:2 reminds us that the world’s standards often conflict with God’s purpose for our lives. It challenges us to renew our minds, to shift our perspectives, and to embrace a life that reflects His truth rather than the patterns of society.
—An excerpt from my upcoming book Purposefully Driven, available SOON on-site and beyond.
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