Don't be changed by the world. You should be the one changing the world.

Our memory verse today is “Don’t become like the people of this world.” Romans 12:2

The world can be a really harsh place to live. We see people who lie, cheat, or steal. People are ungrateful, negative, and angry. They are unforgiving, and don't show love to those around them. It is full of bad attitudes, and if you aren't careful, then you can be changed by the world, and be just like them! Or you can read God's word, invite Jesus into your heart, and with Jesus we can be a light in the world around us. We can change the world around us by living for God the way he taught us to: Be loving, kind, and forgiving. Giving to the those who need it, serving those around us, and most importantly telling others about the love of Jesus.

Like a sponge soaking up water you are constantly soaking up stuff around you. Is it bad stuff or good stuff?

I know kids who have never cussed, but then they start hanging out with kids who cuss, and now they learned to cuss all the time! They soaked it up. They were changed by others.

In the Bible there was a man named Aaron who was changed by the people around him. Instead of listening to God, and telling people to follow God, Aaron built them an idol they wanted to worship and it angered God! He listened to people instead of God!

We don't have to be like the world around us. You can learn to speak kind words that build people up by reading about Jesus and his disciples, and learn the good stuff! Then when you have those friends who do the wrong things like cuss, or fight, or steal. You can tell them about Jesus and the right things to do and the love of Jesus can change them!

Maybe the people around you look down on others because their different or don't have the same amount of money as you, but we shouldn't be mean to others just because their life looks differently. Whether it's a person experiencing homelessness, a family with less stuff, or the waiter at your restaurant. We should treat everyone with kindness and love. Put yourself in their shoes, imagine you were in their situation. Wouldn't you want to be treated with love?

You weren't made to be changed, but to change the world around you with Jesus!