Set Apart from the World

As Christian young ladies, we are called by God to live a life set- apart. We are to be different from the world. This means that we most likely will not "fit in" with most people, even with some of those in our churches and youth groups and Christian schools. Many teens claim to be Christians; unfortunately, the majority of those do not live a set-apart life that is pleasing to God. If you are truly trying to live for God and maintain high standards of purity, modesty, speech, and behavior, most likely you have felt left out or isolated from the group at one time or another. But girls, do not be disheartened. In His Word, God warns us that we will be mocked and ridiculed by the world if we are living for Him. I know that this is probably not what you want to hear. But when you are not invited to the big sleepover at Aimee's house because you are not allowed to attend an unchaperoned party, or when Kasey talks about you behind your back because you were nice to the "weird" new girl, or when Julie and Heather abandon you at the cookout because you confronted them about their crude language, remember that man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord sees the heart. Know that the gossip will probably be forgotten in a day or two, the new girl was grateful to you for being her friend, and that you abstained from evil and any appearance of such by skipping that sleepover. Truthfully, young ladies, many of those malicious girls who treat you so badly now will look back when they are older and remember your godly example and your set-apart lifestyle, and wish that they had lived the same way.

I have been inspired to live a set-apart life since I read Authentic Beauty and Set-Apart Femininity, both by Leslie Ludy. They are excellent books, and I highly recommend them to all young ladies who desire to live for their Heavenly Father.