Devotion for Tuesday, August 4, 2020

“Now in a like exchange – I speak as to children – open wide to us also.   Do not be bound together with unbelievers; for what partnership have righteousness and lawlessness, or what fellowship has light with darkness?” (2 Corinthians 6:13-14)

The principle here is not one of excluding others, but one of recognizing that when you socialize with groups you will become like those groups.  We are constantly influenced by all kinds of things.  The important thing is to be aware of the influences and then to protect yourself so that you are influenced by the Lord, His Word and those who are in Him and will be an encouragement.

Lord, help me to learn those places where I need to strike a balance.  Guide me according to Your goodness that I would live into the life to which You have called me.  Help me always to see that only in You is there both liberty and life.  Walking with You is not giving up, but gaining.  Help me to love those who are yours and to willingly join with them as an active part of my life.

Lord Jesus, You gathered around You a fellowship who were Your community.  By Your example, I realize first that it is made up of all kinds of people, and then, that there was one in Your midst who betrayed You.  But, above all that, You had around You those who were called to You.  Let me be a part of Your fellowship wherever and whenever that takes place by Your calling.  Amen.