I assure you believers, by the pride which I have in you in [your union with] Christ Jesus our Lord, I die daily [I face death and die to self].
I can’t lie this devotional is hard for me… it doesn’t register to me in the sense I feel it should. The example and choice of words is hard for me…. it almost feels forced.
However, I do like the overall message (which I got by reading the prayer and the question at the end). To press pause and consider how my actions will affect others today.
I have honestly been thinking about that a lot here lately. Primarily in a specific part of my life I have been more focused on how to go about reacting to a certain individual. No matter how many times I have wanted to take the dip in the road, I have truly been trying to take the “high road”. Trying to lead by example even though I might be vibrating inside wondering what the heck is wrong with people?
Although, that right there is the reminder of how I have been wanting to change my thoughts. To truly pause and organize my thoughts into more positive thinking. Because isn’t thinking the sin just as much as a bad person as acting out? Because even though my actions don’t reflect my thoughts – God still knows my thoughts and heart on the matter…
To me, that’s no different than someone going to church and being all “lovely” for the worldly appearance, but then secretly judging others while sitting in the same church.
So especially in this type of particular scenario, I truly do need to press pause and “die” in the sense in order to control my heart and thoughts. I might be showing the more positive message on the outside, but I would more like to work on what’s going on on the inside of me when I am being challenged by people in that moment.
Dear Lord, may I learn to die daily. To both act and react in a way that pleases You. In Jesus’ name, I pray, I love you and I thank you so much, amen.
Source: Settle My Soul, page 6