Devotion for Thursday, November 25, 2021

“[A]nd immoral men and homosexuals and kidnappers and liars and perjurers, and whatever else is contrary to sound teaching” (1 Timothy 1:10)

There are many who practice deceit.  Whether it is deceiving oneself, or others, it is not living in the truth.  Ultimately, it is a matter of one’s service and the question of whom they will serve.  It will be either themselves, or God.  That’s the bottom line.  Paul is not speaking hatred but pointing out the reality of what these kinds of behaviors reveal about the person who practices them.

In our age Lord, as You know, it is not correct to say these things of others.  This world has rules which often fly in Your face.  I need help, Lord, to live in this age and to hold fast to what is true.  Guide me, Lord, so that I may walk with You and in Your ways.  Help me to see right from wrong and to live by what is right.  Help me to be gracious and merciful to all, but to live according to Your Word.

Lord Jesus, You have confronted all of these things and know them well.  We sinners do what we think is right in our own minds and we hurt others.  Lead me, Lord, to walk the narrow path through all of these things so that I may learn from You what is good, right and salutary.  Help me each day to better understand how to live faithfully in a world that is steeped in the practice and acceptance of sin.  Amen.