Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain

I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

And he said to all, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.

Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life—is not from the Father but is from the world.

Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.

But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.