Disciples take God’s Word
seriously by serving Him with a sacrificial approach to life
Matthew 6:24
24 “No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.
Jesus warns His disciples that we cannot serve two masters (see Matthew 6:24). One way to determine what or who has become your “master” is by asking this question: For what or whom do we sacrifice the most. We are, of course, not talking about sacrificing animals, but about time, energy, focus, money, resources, and relationships. Everybody sacrifices. Our desire as disciples of Jesus is to see that the sacrifices we make honor and point to the One worthy Master – God the Father-Son-Holy Spirit. Here is the week’s identity statement:
• Because we are already rich in Christ, we commit to be sacrificial in our lives of living and giving for God.
Your Biblical Identity in Christ
Ephesians 5:8-20
Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise,
making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.
~Apostle Paul, Ephesians 5:15-16
8 For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light 9 (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) 10 and find out what pleases the Lord. 11 Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. 12 It is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret. 13 But everything exposed by the light becomes visible—and everything that is illuminated becomes a light. 14 This is why it is said:
“Wake up, sleeper,
rise from the dead,
and Christ will shine on you.”
15 Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, 16 making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. 17 Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. 18 Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit, 19 speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, 20 always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Pondering Point
It matters how you live. To think that it doesn't matter is itself a lie from the pit of hell, from our enemy the Evil one. This above snippet of scripture reminds us that we don't live in neutral days. No, these days are evil. But in these evil days are opportunities for doing good in the name of Jesus. So it does matter how we live. God has a will concerning you for today. Consider this thought: today there will be opportunities for you to honor God in ways that include sacrifices of various magnitudes. For one, the magnitude might be small, simple, brief. Another sacrifice might require more, be longer, extending beyond today. Are you anticipating that God is going to provide opportunities for you to honor Him? Are you looking for them? While your enemy is looking to neutralize your impact, the Spirit of God is looking to maximize your impact. Be filled with the Spirit and let Him show you the will of God.
Prayer
Father God, let the truth sink in that these days are fraught with evil. Let Your Spirit sink in too, enabling me to see and take advantage of opportunities You give me bring the light of Your goodness into my world. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.