During this festive season, Christians feel the tension of following God’s value system, yet living in a world that promotes a contrary value system. This is a dichotomy that seems to grow more difficult to balance as the pull of the world grows stronger. 

Kingdom values are about setting our affection on things on high, not below, living with the fruit of the spirit, especially self-control and humility. At this time of the year especially, the world’s value system promotes the pleasure of the flesh, the allurement of the things we see, and a preoccupation with self-importance and self-gratification.

However, we are warned in Scripture not to love the world. The love of the Father and the love of the world are incompatible. To stay faithful to God’s value system this season, we must remain strong in our faith, treasure the Word of God in our hearts and stay in close union with Christ.

The enemy is an expert at using the enticements of the world to dilute our love for God and cause us to turn our affections to the things of this life. Hold fast to the truth that Christ is the reason we celebrate. And Christ is enough.

‘Heavenly Father, keep me close to you this season. Let the joy and peace that Jesus has given me be enough. Thank you.’

Jesus poured out His blood for the New Covenant of grace and truth, replacing the Old Covenant letter of the law of Moses. Believers are exclusively under the New Covenant, the last will and testament of Jesus that began after the cross.