Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – July 26, 2015
She took hold of him and kissed him and with a brazen face she said: “I have fellowship offerings at home; today I fulfilled my vows. Proverbs 7:13–14
Unfortunately, there are those who use religion to get their way. They may be single adults who prey on unsuspecting single adults in church. They attend church to take advantage of trusting souls. Some businessmen use the art of Christian conversation to give the appearance of values and principles based on the Bible. However, once they make the sale or close the deal, their self-serving and dishonest ways reveal who they really are.
One of the worst types of deception is spiritual deception—using God to get our way. In marriage it may be the husband who uses submission to control his wife, or it may be the wife who uses grace to withhold from her husband. Therefore, warn those who, like Simon in the early church, try to buy the Holy Spirit for their benefit. Cultivate authentic spirituality in your heart and mind through prayer, worship, and community.
“Such regulations indeed have an appearance of wisdom, with their self-imposed worship, their false humility and their harsh treatment of the body, but they lack any value in restraining sensual indulgence” (Colossians 2:23).
True spirituality, on the other hand, is motivated and controlled by the Spirit of Christ. There is authenticity because almighty God is the initiator. True spirituality is not just looking out for itself but is sincerely concerned with serving others. You are comfortable with them because you know they care for you. Integrity rises from their business and religious activities.
Their yes is their yes, and their no is their no. There are no surprises; what you see is what you get. True spirituality comes over time. It is forged on the anvil of adversity, taught at the hearth of humility, and received at the gate of God’s grace. You know your religion is real when you love others above your own needs and you care for the poor and needy. True spirituality leads others to love God and obey His commands.
“Pure and undefiled religion in the sight of our God and Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world” (James 1:27 NASB).
Prayer: Whom do I need to confront in love about using their “Christianity” to take advantage of others?
Related Readings: Ecclesiastes 7:4; Matthew 25:36; Acts 8:19–20; 2 Corinthians 1:17
Post/Tweet this today: True spirituality leads others to love God and obey His commands. #falsespirituality #wisdomhunters
Taken from Two Minutes in the Bible Through Proverbs: You’ll soon be enjoying the benefits of a storehouse of wisdom in your heart. Pre-order Boyd’s newest devotional book coming August 1st! (Learn more about our friends at Harvest House Publishers)
Additional Resource: 4 minute music video- Natalie Grant: I Will Not Be Moved
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