For the grace of God has appeared, saving all and training us to reject godless ways and worldly desires and to live temperately, justly, and devoutly in this age as we await the blessed hope, the appearance of the glory of the great God and of our savior Jesus Christ. (Titus 2:11-13 NABRE)
Christians are called to be counter-cultural.
Full disclosure: I find this to be very difficult at times. After all, we are always surrounded by the culture in which we live. And so, to constantly, deliberately, and successfully push against its godless philosophies, beliefs, and enticements requires vigilance, perception, and dedication.
Christians keep their hears focused on the Lord.
My observations and experience have demonstrated something like this: When we pray, we are strengthened for the challenge by grace to remain steadfast beyond our own power. When we discipline our thoughts, we increasingly learn to recognize this world's thin veneer of pleasure, power, and wealth which covers the emptiness beneath. And when we praise Jesus, we are sustained in our calling to be light in a dark world, to bring love into a lonely world, and to encounter Jesus in each person we meet.
Today, I will continue to await the blessed hope, the appearance of the glory of the great God and of our savior Jesus Christ.
Saint Gregory of Nyssa, whose faith is said to have settled deep into your bones, pray for us.
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