Daily Devotion, October 29, 2020

 

Devotion: Read Ephesians 4:25-5:2.

Some of you might remember the "just say no" 80’s phrase that discouraged drug use and the "just do it" 90’s phrase encouraging us to challenge ourselves beyond our normal limits. Growing up during this time, it was easy to get stuck: to do or not to do.

Paul was quite clear about the "to-dos" and "not to-dos." His don't-do list discouraged acts, anger, and words of falsehoods that harms ourselves, others, and the world. His do list encouraged actions of lifting up others, speaking the truth, and giving grace that benefits ourselves, others, and the world. It should be simple, but we make it so complicated. We comb through and pick apart every word of the Bible searching for specific phrases and verses that support our point of view on all kinds of ideologies. Then we use them to bash and hurt other people. Paul tells us to be imitators of God, as beloved children, and live in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.

There is a Muslim saying that could work for all religions: Before you speak, let your words pass through three gates. At the first gate, ask yourself ‘Is it true?’ At the second gate ask, ‘Is it necessary?’ At the third gate ask, ‘Is it kind?’ Evangelist Alan Redpath formulated an acronym for us to weigh our words using the word “think.”

T—Is it true?

H—Is it helpful?

I—Is it inspiring?

N—Is it necessary?

K—Is it kind? Personal Worship Option: Take a step back. Do your actions show love or hate? Do your actions benefit the few or the many? Do your actions accept or exclude? Do your conversations take a side, or are they open to all? We will serve God best when we show kindness and love to each other as one body.