God came before us.

Duh, right?

God comes before us.

Still obvious....

Then where do we get the idea that we can make God fit our lifestyle?? Or make God fit into our beliefs?? Knowing we are born into this world. Born into sin. Wouldn't it make sense that our God is looking for change??
I have met people in my past, that at the time of our conversation, they convinced me that their way was better. But now.... I am learning the flaw in it all. We don't pick and choose the activities we wish to take a part in (drinking, etc.), and then decide that God is okay with that. Justifying our crappy lifestyles. We don't tell God what He is okay with and what He is not. My pastor has always taught me the principles of the pyramids. The pyramid of rights and the pyramid of responsibilities. Pyramid of rights has the point at the top like an Egyptian pyramid. The pyramid of responsibility is upside down, like an ice cream cone. The further you go up on the ladder of leadership.... the fewer your rights get, and the more your responsibilities grow. Not only within the church, but also within secular institutions. But look at it from the church perspective.... for example, it may be legal for me to drink. But that doesn't mean that I should. Me drinking would cause those who I disciple to question my leadership, my character, integrity, etc.... because they are still young. So it doesn't matter whether it is legal or not, I have the responsibility to not do it. My rights get smaller while my responsibilities grow. It's NOT about me. It's about the generation that is looking up to me. My kids that need to see me not do things. Empowering the disciples of Christ.

That really wasnt where I was going to with all that....
I wanted to more illustrate the fact that people try to fit God into their lifestyle. But my pursuit to be real and relevant should not come at the cost of communicating truth. Yes, I want people to be able to relate to me.... but if I look just like the world.... something is wrong. If my lifestyle doesn't stand out from the world around me, something is wrong. Because God DOES want change. No matter how much our flesh hates the thought. No matter how much MY flesh hates the thought. God wants to change us. And he wants it to be radical. And we don't get to decide what that means or what that is applied to. HE does.

He wants change.
Period.