Today's Scripture
Question #5. Am I a slave to dress, friends, work or habits? – Romans 12:3, 1 Timothy 6:7-9
3 For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of yourself more highly than you ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned. (Romans 12:3)
7 for we brought nothing into the world, so that we can take nothing out of it; 8 but if we have food and clothing, we will be content with these. 9 But those who want to be rich fall into temptation and are trapped by many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. (1 Timothy 6:7-8)
RJ's Devotion
As we start 2017, we wanted to examine the 22 questions of John Wesley. He challenged his followers to ask these rigorous self-examining questions, as they walk toward holiness. For the next four weeks, we will examine each question, daily. Also, I encourage you to read the ‘One Year Bible Reading Plan’ suggested by Bishop Sharma Lewis.
What the passage says
Romans 12:3 – The verses before v. 3 is about how we need to present our lives, as ‘living sacrifice’ to our Lord. In other words, v. 3 means that we should stop worshiping ourselves, and shift our worship to God.
1 Tim. 6:7-8 – Paul warns the followers about the danger of the riches in the world. Money itself is not evil, however, if it becomes our purpose in life or our idol, he warns us about the detrimental consequences.
What does the passage say to me/us?
Wesley is asking the followers to live in modesty. He understands how riches and materialism can bound us. Our possessions have a danger to possess us. When our lives are focused on what we have, we can be controlled by our own riches.
If the people in Wesley’s generation had to be cautious of the riches, how much more should we be on watch. We need to examine what we have and be honestly see if our possession controls us.
When we are preoccupied with our collections, we are not able to fully be involved in God’s mission.
Prayer
Lord, help us not to become a slave of our greed. Free us from the worldly message and desire. When we live in modesty, help us to see how you provide and use us for your mission.
In Christ name, AMEN.
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