Daily Devotion, May 26, 2021

 

Devotion:

Read Romans 8:9-17.

I particularly like The Message version of Romans 8: 9-17. But to help with understanding this middle passage, I like the beginning and ending of Romans 8 from the NIV: “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus,… For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” 

Paul wanted these new Christians to see and understand that this new life in Christ held complete assurance that God loves them and is forever with them.

  

In Christ, life is lived from a new motivation, as Paul writes, “But if God has taken up residence in your life, you can hardly be thinking more of yourself than of him.” Our natural tendency is to think more of self than we think of God or anyone else. But God sent Jesus to turn this around and transform us. God sent Jesus to move us beyond selfish and self-centered motives to love God and love others. In Paul’s words, God’s transforming power within us moves us from death into life!

Jesus said, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind… and love your neighbor as yourself.” There is a healthy love of self. So what is the difference between a healthy love of self and selfishness? The huge difference is our motives. The first enables us to love God, and to give our very best selves in acts of service unto others. Selfishness begins and ends with serving self and self only. It will not only lead to our own destruction, but will destroy others along the way.

Personal Worship Option:

Living life by the power of the Holy Spirit has transforming power within us and through us beyond our imagination. It is a deep abiding relationship with God and we are God’s children! I love The Message translation in verses 15 and 16, “This resurrection life you received from God is not a timid grave-tending life. It’s adventurously expectant, greeting God with a childlike “What’s next, Papa?” God’s spirit touches our spirits and confirms who we really are.” O loving God, move us from our self-centered ways to your ways today!