Push backthe darkness.

The world never stops trying to shape what we think, what we value, and what we call normal. Paul’s answer: “do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind” (Romans 12:2). God told Israel the same thing before they entered the land: “you shall not learn to follow the abominations of those nations” (Deuteronomy 18:9). So don’t let culture set your convictions. Don’t trade God’s approval for people’s: “if I still pleased men, I would not be a bondservant of Christ” (Galatians 1:10). And don’t normalize what God calls us to reject. We are called to influence the world, not imitate it.

“Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers… what communion has light with darkness?” (2 Corinthians 6:14). This isn’t about rejecting people who don’t believe. Jesus ate with sinners. It’s about refusing to let any relationship pull you away from God. Sometimes pushing back is one word: no. “Let us cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light” (Romans 13:12). “Have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them” (Ephesians 5:11). Don’t join in, don’t promote it, and don’t compromise just to fit in.

“Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you” (James 4:7). Notice the order: submit first, then resist. Some battles aren’t won by arguing. They are won by praying. “We do not wrestle against flesh and blood” (Ephesians 6:12), and “the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds” (2 Corinthians 10:4). Pray against the influence of darkness, and pray by name for the friends and family caught in it. Don’t fight the people trapped in darkness. Pray for them, love them, and stand against the darkness that holds them.

God didn’t call us only to point out darkness. Jesus said, “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden” (Matthew 5:14). And the light always wins: “the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it” (John 1:5). Show love where there is hatred, forgiveness where there is bitterness, and truth where there is deception, and share the Gospel where it is dark. In a crooked generation we “shine as lights in the world” (Philippians 2:15).

Start this week in three places: your mind (the thoughts you entertain), your home (the attitudes you allow), and your relationships (the pressure you give in to).