"Do not conform to the pattern of this world any longer, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind." Romans 12:2 NIV

It's not a new problem. Every generation has faced it on some level or another. How do we live in our culture without allowing it to influence our thoughts and behaviors to be contrary to the Word of God?

We can't escape the messages that are sent to us every day through the various forms of media or through the people that we live and work with. Satan has successfully worked to erode the Christian principles that were once foundational to our country. On every side we are assualted by sexuality, materialism and greed, and the philosophy of pursuing personal pleasure at all costs.

The only way to counteract this influence is to be grounded in the truth. If you know the truth, you can easily recognize the false ideas that are trying to creep into your thinking. Spending time in prayer and in reading the Bible are the keys to spiritual transformation. Willpower is not enough. There needs to be a personal invitation for the Holy Spirit to renew your mind daily.

Jesus spoke to each of these philosophies: "anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart," (Matt. 5:28); "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth... but store up for yourselves treasures in heaven..." (Matt. 6:19-20); "Anyone who does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me. Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it" (Matt. 10:38-39).

"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God." II Cor. 1:3-4 NIV

No one understands where you are in life like someone who's been there before. When it seems you're all alone struggling through your trials, it's amazing how much comfort it brings just to hear someone say, "I understand. I've been there." It doesn't really change anything, but somehow it helps.

When we find ourselves in pits of deep emotion, whether grief or fear or heartache, we can always turn to God for solace. He is "the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort." He is pleased to wrap his arms around us, listen to our story, and hold us while we cry. He finds joy in wiping away our tears and giving us strength to face another day.

God comforts us because he loves us, but also "so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves received from God." The moment will come when you will be able to say, "I know just how you feel. And God pulled me through."

The struggles we face have the potential to make us stronger and wiser, but they can also prepare us to be the arms of God holding someone else in need.