Devotion for Thursday, January 5, 2023

“Beloved, while I was making every effort to write you about our common salvation, I felt the necessity to write to you appealing that you contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all handed down to the saints” (Jude 1:3).

We all have a common salvation in Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior.  There are no special dispensations.  One person is not treated differently than any another.  In Christ we are one and equal.  These words are important.  Our world rails against differences, as well as against similarity.  The Lord created us to be equal under God, but each of us is also a quite unique individual.  Contend for the true faith and do not let what the world preaches get in the way.

Lord, You know those places where I am led astray.  Help me, I pray, to see the places which get me off track and stay away from them.  Guide me to live the common salvation which is beyond denomination, tradition, or particularity of understanding.  You have given the faith once for all, just as You died once for all.  Lead me in the true faith so that I may live into the life to wich You have called for me to live.

Lord Jesus, You are the Savior.  You are the Master.  Lead me to live the life for which You have called me and for which You died.  Let me not think myself superior or inferior, but one of all with whom You have been saved by grace through faith.  Guide me, Lord, to live humbly in You .  You know what I need for this day.  Guide me in the way You know I need to go and help me to follow You alone.  Amen.