WHOSE EXAMPLE ARE YOU FOLLOWING
Daphne Powell
Today's Scripture: “If others share this rightful claim on you, do not we even more? Nevertheless, we have not made use of this right, but we endure anything rather than put an obstacle in the way of the gospel of Christ.” 1 Corinthians 9:12, ESV
Theme: Believers should consider whether our claim to “rights” might harm or oppress someone vulnerable creating a barrier for that person hearing or receiving the Gospel.
RIGHTS
We are living in a time where RIGHTS are being confused with RIGHTEOUSNESS.
WHO BELONGS
If you are a Jesus follower, you know that we all belong. This land [Earth] is not our destination; yet we are fighting over it. Fighting over who should be allowed to survive here and who should not. Taking ownership. But Romans 12:2 tells us not to conform to the pattern of this world. When you get to Heaven are you going to tell God that you cannot live next-door to this certain person? Are you not going to speak to your brother/sister in Christ because they look different? Because heaven is our destination, God wants to improve the way you act here. Is your heart going to change the instant you die on Earth? You are here to work on getting your heart prepared for Heaven.
WHO DESERVES
If you are a Jesus follower, you know all deserve grace equally. Do you think that poor people do not deserve to have the same grace and mercy? Deuteronomy 15:11 states, that there will always be poor people. So, if you know this as a Christian the bigger question is what role He wants for the rich. This reflects a broader biblical theme that encourages generosity and compassion towards those in need. Instead of fighting over the dollar, we are charged with fighting to care for others. When God created the Earth, he prepared it to take care of us. We have started making gold and silver our idol, letting it separate us. When we get to Heaven, we will all be cared for.
WHO KNOWS BEST
If you are a Jesus follower, you know who the good shepherd is. Right now, on Earth we may see Christians following man's law (politics) over Jesus’s commandments and beatitudes. There has been a decline in the number of Christians in America. Instead of telling people why they are going to hell or that the way they live is wrong [we might want to think about the plank in our own eyes], show them the Jesus that came to Earth, and sacrified His life for our sins. The miracles He performed and the way He loved people regardless of their sins showed His grace and mercy. If we are to remove the barriers, we must embrace the fruits of the spirit and love one another.
Make It Personal: When you serve, you get up close and personal to people who were born into and come upon hard times. Avoiding the poor is not following Jesus. Being in close contact with people who have less helps us realize that it is His grace that has benefited me in this life. And it is our purpose to serve and show everyone the true heart of Jesus. When I ride around, I see more political stickers on cars than religious ones; or even more with both. The path to Heaven is through Jesus Christ not politics or religion.
Pray: Dear Lord, please help me follow Jesus and not man. If we truly believe in who He is, we will walk differently on this earth. Help me as I continue to serve the least of these or take a step to begin. Amen
Read: Isaiah 1:17; Philippians 4:8; Psalm 9:8; Romans 12:2; Matthew 6:26; Deuteronomy 15:1; Matthew 5:1-12; John 10:11
Weekly Memory Verse: ”I have become all things to all people, that by all means I might save some. I do it all for the sake of the gospel, that I may share with them in its blessings.” 1 Corinthians 9:22b-23, ESV