Devotion for Friday, December 20, 2019

“I wrote you in my letter not to associate with immoral people; I did
not at all mean with the immoral people of this world, or with the covetous and
swindlers, or with idolaters, for then you would have to go out of the world”
(1 Corinthians 5:9-10).

The idea is not one of isolating
oneself from the world, for we are born in a specific time and place, but one
of seeking to have the fellowship be one that is safe, filled with those who
are not double-minded, but of the same mind concerning things of the Lord.  We are influenced by those whom we
trust.  Trust carefully and do not be
caught up in wickedness through the wanton behavior of others.

Lord, help me to see clearly those who do not repent and are unwilling
to work on their own salvation.  Lead me
according to all that is right to hold fast to Your Word of truth and to be
uncompromising in those things which are essential.  Lead me according to Your purposes to abide
richly in the grace You have given, sharing that grace with all whom I meet,
but also holding fast to what is true.

Lord Jesus, You know all that lies
ahead of me.  Guide me according to Your
purposes that I may live humbly in the circumstances You have placed me in.  Lead me to walk the narrow way in a world
filled with wickedness that I may reach out to others without accepting their
behavior as my own.  Guard my mind and
heart that I would always be focused upon You and the truth You have
revealed.  Amen.