Devotion for Friday, October 9, 2020

“All this time you have been thinking that we are defending ourselves to you. Actually, it is in the sight of God that we have been speaking in Christ; and all for your upbuilding, beloved” (2 Corinthians 12:19).

It is not for you, but the Lord.  This is a consistent theme in Scripture.  Our motivation should be the Lord and not others.  Yes, we love others and serve them, but it is the Lord first whom we serve.  The priority makes a difference for we can easily fall into the thinking that our aim is to please others rather than simply to love, trust, and fear the Lord above all things.

Lord, help me to learn to have the right priorities in al things.  I am easily swayed by circumstances and what others think.  Help me to look to You in all things and for all things.  You are the One through whom all things have their being and You know our hearts better than we ourselves.  Be the One who guides me in all things that I would not get caught up in this world’s insanity.

Lord Jesus, You came that we might be freed from the trends of this world.  In You we find our hope.  Lead me, Lord, in the hope You give that I would do all for, through, and with You.  Let me not so much worry about the why, but upon doing that which is pleasing in the Father’s sight.  Guide me to learn to live out life in such a way that Your goodness is evident always in me.  Amen