peculiar – strange, unusual, uncharacteristic, atypical, distinctive, individual, special

familiar – common, customary, typical, regular, traditional, usual

Wow – what CONVICTION came over me upon the reminder and realization that “there’s no way you can be peculiar when you’re familiar.” My heart was pricked from the time I left work, and I went straight to repenting (yes, again) – during my entire commute home.  How could I continue to feed myself the enemy’s fare from a smorgasbord of heist getaways, lust, and deceit – and expect to walk in righteousness?  I was setting myself up for a fall.

So with resolute intention, I deleted more shows from my DVR: “In Plain Sight” for taking the Lord’s name in vain – repeatedly and remorselessly (along with unapologetic fornication – yeah, I’m married, but I don’t need that seed planted in my spirit); “White Collar” for two women kissing as if there’s nothing wrong with it; and “Law and Order: Criminal Intent” for repeated variations of murderous plots – I don’t need to be desensitized. In and of themselves, I didn’t think the programs were bad.  I took issue with the no-longer-subtle but now painfully obvious, overt, blatantly antichrist agenda that has become so prevalent in the story lines.  If it’s not originating from the heart of God, do I need to partake of it?  How can I expect any good thing to come from a sewer or cesspool?  It’s a collecting place for filth!  Should I be surprised with any of the base depravity and vile wickedness the world presents these days?  They’re just showing evidence of their “anything goes; if it feels good, do it” philosophy.  But that is utterly CONTRARY to God’s Word.

I’d set these programs to record for the entire season, but with a QUICKNESS, I deleted any episode that had already been recorded, and cancelled the “record the season” command.  I have to vigilantly protect the treasure God has placed in my earthen vessel – and so do you!  As we grow closer in our walk with the Lord, He shows us more areas we can yield to His sovereignty.  He won’t force us, but He invites us into closer relationship and deeper intimacy with Him.  Because God is holy and there is no unrighteousness in Him, He desires for us to be holy like Him.

I willingly surrendered the TV programs because I don’t want anything to impede, obstruct, hamper, or impair my relationship with my Creator – or become an idol that takes precedence over the true and living God.  A TV show – or ANYTHING else, for that matter – is NOT worth forfeiting my eternity with Christ. Asking God to cleanse me while rolling around in a mud hole (or playing near one while wearing a white outfit) is ludicrous.  So my walk increases as the heat intensifies and He seeks His Bride without spot, wrinkle, or blemish.  Find me hidden in You, Lord – beneath the shadow of Your cross, I pray.  Amen.

Where do you stand?  Are you peculiar, consecrated, and set apart unto God – or are you familiar, comfortable, and cozy with the world and its carnal mindset?

“Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God?
whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.”

(James 4:4)

“But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.”

(I Peter 1:15-16)

“But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light;”

(I Peter 2:9)

© Copyright 2011 by Kayren J. Cathcart