Daily Devotional, Jan 9, 2023 Strings
"Do not be deceived: 'Bad company ruins good morals.'"
1 Corinthians 15:33
My daughter was talking to me last night about her guitar. She said she got a bit offended when one of her classmates borrowed it and afterwards told her that some of the strings are a bit rusty. Since my daughter is so into making music with her stringed instrument, she didn’t mind the corrosion, in fact she said, she did not think of it much at all.
In our life journey, there are strings we may need to keep, and those we need to cut and replace. These strings could be habits, pursuits, and even people. For instance, our Christian life tells us that we have to stand up for our family. Whether its string is in top shape or rusty, we have to make it work because God designed families to be together and supportive of each other.
"Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace."
Ephesians 4:2-3
On the other hand, there are social ties that may need to be severed this new year. These are strings attached to people who make us stumble in our Christian walk. Is there anyone in your life right now who hinders you in pursuing a Christ-like existence? A relationship that does not honor God? A friendship that is centered on worldly pursuits like fame, personal glory, and pride in possessions? A friend who encourages you to indulge in gossip and rumor-mongering? A person who made it his life mission to dishearten you? Rethink the relationship and sever it while you still can.
"I appeal to you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and create obstacles contrary to the doctrine that you have been taught; avoid them. For such persons do not serve our Lord Christ, but their own appetites, and by smooth talk and flattery they deceive the hearts of the naive. For your obedience is known to all, so that I rejoice over you, but I want you to be wise as to what is good and innocent as to what is evil."
Romans 16:17-19
Another life string to consider are bad habits that need to be replaced by better, and God-honoring ones. For instance, staying up too late on a Saturday, only to be too groggy to be alert and in Church on Sunday. Cuss words being a normal part of one’s vocabulary. Uncontrollable need to be on the social media loop that you tend to alienate people who are right there present with you. Constant criticism, grumbling, and negativity at every situation life throws at you?
"And he said, “What comes out of a person is what defiles him. For from within, out of the heart of man, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, coveting, wickedness, deceit, sensuality, envy, slander, pride, foolishness. All these evil things come from within, and they defile a person.” Mark 7:20-23
How about pursuits that need to be snipped? Are you too focused on achieving your career and financial goals that your family takes a back seat? Are your material pursuits driven by covetousness? Are you pursuing beauty and fashion to the extreme that you spend way too much time and money to look your best? Are you getting too addicted to the likes, loves, and other positive reactions you get from your social media posts that you feel like a loser when your posts are not well received?
"Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others." Philippians 2:3-4
If there are old strings that need to get severed, then there are also new strings that need to be tied. These include better habits that will help you grow in faith and knowledge of the Lord. After all, when we are aware of God’s will, our positive zeal and joy will spread through all areas of our life.
For instance, this year, set aside a time each day to pray, read the bible, reflect on it, and live its message. Make it a point to not just attend Sunday worship but to truly participate in the mass or church service. Sing the praise songs from your heart, listen attentively to the priest or the pastor, read the bible passages in advance and make sure to bring your bible too. Give time to learn more about Jesus by joining and attending bible study and church support groups.
Prioritize nurturing good family relations. Choose to spend time with fellow believers, and be intentional about the friendships you develop and nourish. And more importantly, carry out God’s mission for all of His followers: Spread the Good News of His salvation and love.
Thank you for reading through our devotional today. I invite you to ponder on Philippians 2:1-11 and 1 Corinthians 5:11-13 to dig deeper on today’s topic.
Reflection Question: Are there strings in your life that you need to sever this new year? How about new ones you need to tie?
Conversation with the Lord: Almighty Father, thank you for opening my eyes to the areas in my life that need improvement. Please grant me the confidence to fully surrender these areas to you, so that you can reign in all aspects of my life, throughout my existence. I love you Lord, Amen.
