Delight of the Father, You came to earth to show Your people a better way to live. Without You unbelievers acted foolishly, were disobedient, did things their way and became enslaved to their passions. They live surrounded by malice and envy, being insensitive to others and, in turn, being ignored by them. However, everything changed when Your kindness and love came into the world. As a Believer my first allegiance must be to You, but You also instructed me to obey the government and it’s leaders. Because of my belief in You I am not above the law. Obeying civil servants is part of living a righteous life. Additionally, I am to do what I can to help my neighbor. I am called to be involved and be willing to serve. Following a life of pleasure and giving in to sensual desires can only lead me to slavery. In such a case, I am no longer free, but a slave to what the carnal part of me desires.
You advise me not to get involved in foolish and unprofitable discussions and actions. Instead, I should study and examine the depth and meaning of Your words in order to determine what I should say and do. I should avoid petty arguments and replace them with meaningful discussions that lead me to real wisdom. I must keep my watch out for false truths expounded by some who profess themselves to be “children of God.” I must stay away from becoming a source of divisions that become barriers to my unity with others. If corrections are needed, I must approach my brother or sister with a desire to restore them … not push them away. It is not my job to judge them, rather to show them a better way to go. I must always be open to lending a helping hand to those in need. As I dedicate myself to becoming more like You, I know that living in peace with my fellow man will become easier.
Since You are the personification of love, I should act in love in everything I do. The best way I can show others that You live in me is to act in a kind and caring way. I must not neglect my relationship with You, my family or my neighbors. At the heart of my love for You is the sacrifice of “self” at the altar of honor and praise for You. Love is to see You in others as Your Father sees You in me and accepts me as a resident of Heaven. It is not easy pushing “self” away, but with Your help and the help of the Holy Spirit I can know I can render “self” dead. When I wonder why I should be willing to put others first, I remember Your breaking down the Ten Commandments into two simple laws … love the Lord with my whole heart, mind and soul AND love my neighbor as myself. If I follow Your instructions, I know that they will lead me in becoming a person who lives righteously. And it’s in Jesus’ name I pray. AMEN!!
I John 3:7 Dear children, do not let anyone lead you astray. He who does what is right is righteous, just as He is righteous.