1 May | Youth
«And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.» Romans 12:2
In the book Daring to Ask for More, the author presents an interesting spiritual application about the Luapula River, located in Zambia. The term luapula means “to cut through.” It got its name from crossing three lakes and cutting through mountains and valleys before finally reaching the ocean. What makes this river so unique is the fact that it does not change speed or mix with the lakes it passes through. The river maintains its own identity. Fishermen say there is a difference between fish from the lakes and fish from the river. They also report that lake water and river water taste different.
Just like the Luapula River, we must maintain our spiritual identity on the journey towards Heaven. As we go through the mountains and valleys of problems and temptations, we must maintain the essence, without dilution or adapting to the standards of the world. Remember that, although we are in the world, we are not of the world. Our words, tastes and lifestyle are guided by “thus says the Lord,” not by the culture around us.
God wants us to be salt of the Earth and light of the world, and this implies involvement with people. But the fundamental question is: Who is influencing whom? Have worldly philosophies and customs mixed with our “waters”?
I like Joseph’s example. When he was sold into slavery by his own brothers, he went to Egypt and remained there for ten years in Potiphar's house. Even exposed to temptations of all kinds and paganism, he kept his purity and fidelity to God, ignoring the offerings of sin around him.
Joseph did not conform to the standards of the current culture, as his identity was marked by the Creator's fingerprint. Do you know what his secret was? The Bible answers: “Joseph is a fruitful bough, a fruitful bough by a well; […] but his bow remained in strength […] by the hands of the Mighty God of Jacob (from there is the Shepherd, the Stone of Israel)” (Gen 49:22, 24).
You and I will only be able to cross the impure waters of this world unscathed if, like Joseph, we remain firm in the hands of our God.