Extraterrestrial

My trip home for the holidays brought forth a lot of flaws in my character and questions in my mind.  Something I thought about more than anything was my conviction to unconditionally obey God's word over people or circumstances.  When tempted, it was so easy for me to wonder things like,
  "Is it really that bad if [insert temptation/sin here]" or
  "No one would even know if [insert temptation/sin here]"


Recalling the following scriptures helped me to resist temptation and overcome the sin that is SO easy to get tangled in when brothers and sisters aren't there to fight with you.

¹¹ For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. ¹² It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age,
-Titus 2:11-12

¹⁰ Am I now trying to win the approval of men, or of God? Or am I trying to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ.
-Galatians 1:10

¹⁶ Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.
-James 5:16


¹¹ Dear friends, I urge you, as aliens and strangers in the world, to abstain from sinful desires, which war against your soul. 
-1 Peter 2:11


Luke 4:1-13...Jesus being tempted by Satan and fighting back with scriptures...an amazing example of 'putting on the armor of God'


After looking over/remembering these truths, I asked myself why it's important for me to hold to my convictions.  Is it because I want people to think I'm a "good" person? So when I get home I'm able to boast about how strong I am because I kept myself from falling into sin while I was away? Or is it because my love for God drives me to want to please him regardless of who's watching? My goal for 2012 is to ALWAYS live as an alien and stranger in the world and to be a light especially when no one is watching.  This is something I encourage all of you to think about, especially as we start the new year.

 Do you still do the right thing even when you feel like you're the only one who is concerned about pleasing God?