Devotion for Saturday, December 21, 2019

“But actually, I wrote to you not to associate with any so-called brother if he is an immoral person, or covetous, or an idolater, or a reviler, or a drunkard, or a swindler – not even to eat with such a one” (1 Corinthians 5:11).

You will become like those you
hang out with.  If you walk with Jesus,
you will become like Him.  We have been
created in such a way that we do not think it true, but we do conform to our
surroundings and to those with whom we associate.  This is not a cause for shunning others, but
of recognizing that we need to protect our boundaries.  Be on your guard that you remain faithful.

Lord, show me how I am influenced by those around me.  Guide me to see clearly that I need to
protect myself from some.  Guide me to
always be gracious, but to realize that I need not accommodate everyone who
wants my attention.  Help me to continue
faithfully walking with You amidst all the noise of this world that I would be
conformed to the image of Christ.

Lord Jesus, You are the One who
has come to save us.  We need what You
alone can give.  Help me to understand
how to walk in a world that is filled with sinners like me.  Help me to walk the narrow path You have
planned before me.  Guide me to walk with
You always knowing that You alone have the words of eternal life.  Lead me into faithfulness, Jesus, that I
would always walk beside You.  Amen.