Thursday, January 16, 2025
New Testament Reading Plan: John 9
I’ve lived long enough to realize participating in the “Comparison Game” is a curse. But it’s a game we’ve all played.
With age, I've concluded little has changed. The Comparison Game remains a favorite of many, but I no longer participate. That game stopped for me when another game, “The Sunday Ritual,” similarly stopped. The rules for that game were very simple: Go to church weekly. Nothing more. Nothing less.
The Sunday Ritual was probably more of a family habit than a game. Regardless, and in spite of it, this Biblical truth had not yet resonated within our family.
Philippians 2:12-13
12 Dear friends, you always followed my instructions when I was with you. And now that I am away, it is even more important. Work hard to show the results of your salvation, obeying God with deep reverence and fear. 13 For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him.
These Bible verses came to life years later. Undeniable peace overtook one sibling upon surrendering to Christ. Her changes demonstrated both working hard and obeying God. When she asked me to forgive her for the numerous awful sister childhood interactions, I knew this “God thing” was real!
Without hesitation, the habit of The Sunday Ritual came to a complete stop for me. The dramatic changes in her life exhibited, without question, that regular church attendance is nothing but a game unless taking a step toward God and surrendering to him is included.
With God’s power, we experienced exponential spiritual growth as we embraced and attempted to live out this verse together:
Romans 12:2
Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God's will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.
I am genuinely grateful to share this spiritual journey with her. There have been multiple bumps along the way, but God always shows up when we allow him into our lives.
Pause for a moment, and glimpse in the rearview mirror of your life. Is there evidence of God transforming you into a new person? If there is, continue your journey, obeying God and remembering it is him guiding and changing you. If the evidence is harder to find or you want to begin your transformation, take the first step on the adventure with God and ask him into your life.
Questions:
What is God saying to you today? What are you going to do about it?
Next Steps:
Endeavor to put an end to “The Comparison Game” by taking steps to grow spiritually.
21 Days of Prayer
Day 11—Freedom
Today’s Prayer Focus: To Live in Freedom (Galatians 5:1)
Prayer:
Thank you, God, for freeing me! You have freed me from sin and from shame. You have freed me from the law and from striving to earn salvation. You have freed me from death itself! For all those things and more, I praise you. Help me to live as someone who is free. Don’t let me fall back into the posture of a slave, to revert to serving the things that used to control me. May you be the only one I serve, for you bought my freedom and loyalty at a high price on the cross. In gratitude I ask, may your will be done in my life. Amen.
Series Theme Verse:
Romans 12:2
Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God's will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.
This post was written by Karen Peck, a Perrysburg attendee, and a regular contributor to the LivingItOut devotional.