Join us for Day 5 of Soul Detox and then join us for discussion and community in the comments below!
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I found today's passage particularly difficult in most ways for me. Blessing enemies, having gifts that differ each according to grace given us, not to think anyone higher than others, concede to lowly things… Etc. Tough stuff today. Much to work on. All with God's help of course.
Verse 16 is hittin' something in my life in this season. "Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own opinion." So much for my lofty aspirations–time for a little dose of reality, and a reminder that we are each dealt a measure of faith (v. 3), we are each members of each other (v. 5), we are each to use our gifts (v. 6), and through it all cling to what is good (v. 9) and overcome our toxic thoughts with that good (v. 21).
The verses that really spoke to me from today's devotional were Romans 12:4 – 8. "For as we in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another. Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them…" I. love. this.
It's reaffirmed here how truly connected we all are in the body of Christ! In order to go out and make new disciples, to strengthen each other so that we might strengthen the numbers of our kingdom, we are called to use the gifts God has given us. On the days where we feel unworthy, like we can't do anything right, or are jealous of another's talent, we need to remember this passage and the fact that God has given us each unique gifts that we must use to ultimately give Him glory. If we are using our gift for the glory of God, we are answering His call!
I've struggled with a family member for several years now, and I've let negative thoughts of that person consume my thought life. Not necessarily "I don't like so-and-so," but even playing out scenarios in my head that would justify me shutting this person out of our lives for good. While I've been learning to forgive this person each day, I still fall. I need to let go of those toxic thoughts. If I don't, it will be impossible for me to live at peace (v. 18) with this person. It's not my responsibility to repay that person for what they've done to me. That is in God's hands. It's my responsibility to be obedient and live in peace with this person. God is really working on my heart where this person is concerned.
This passage is what brought me out of an eating disorder in 2010. To literally give our bodies to Christ means nothing less. In doing so we are leaving no room for evil. He brings light and all that comes with it!
I am so very thankful for the blood that Jesus shed for all of our sins, the love that He showed all of us by giving his life. Give everything He could possible give for us. Lord renew our minds with your word that we would be more like Jesus.