Daily Devotionals
Daily Devotional: Proverbs 19:6-10
Prov 19:6-10
6 Many seek the favor of a generous man, and everyone is a friend to a man who gives gifts. 7 All a poor man’s brothers hate him; how much more do his friends go far from him! He pursues them with words but does not have them. 8 Whoever gets sense loves his own soul; he who keeps understanding will discover good. 9 A false witness will not go unpunished, and he who breathes out lies will perish. 10 It is not fitting for a fool to live in luxury, much less for a slave to rule over princes.
Eph 5:8b-11, 15-17
Walk as children of light (for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true) and try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord. Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them. Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore, do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.
Humility involves putting others interests ahead of our own. It recognizes that our strength is not from within us but comes from God. This leaves no room for us to boast or brag about ourselves, but instead, we give all the glory to God. Another part of humility means that we want to be servants of Christ, which is done by serving others around us. Again, putting their needs ahead of our own.
All of this is good and right with God. However, this does not mean that we do not try to take care of ourselves, physically, mentally, or emotionally. In order for us to serve others we must be in a condition to do so. This is why the wise man said that “whoever gets sense loves his own soul.” While Paul said that bodily exercise is of small value when compared to spiritual exercise, he does say that it has value. To be a good steward we need to exercise, eat right and get rest.
It is not wrong to take care of this earthly body with our minds and emotions. It is wrong to become so obsessed with ourselves that we are consumed with exercise, eating a certain way or getting rest. Don’t ever forget that when we do all of these things, we will die anyway. Exercise doing good works. Eat the spiritual food that God has given us. Get enough rest but don’t become lazy. Praise God!
O Lord God, give me wisdom to be what you want me to become. Help me yield myself to your Spirit so I can be molded into your likeness. Use me to serve you by serving others. Keep me from being selfish so that I will use what you have given me to help others who need what I can give. Be with your people, beginning with me, and help each of us show the love of Jesus in our lives. Guide our elections that are approaching according to your will. I pray in Jesus’ name.
Robert
