Read: I Corinthians 15:29-58
Think: While reading I Corinthians, you often feel like Paul is battling with leaders , instructing the immature, and repeatedly addressing the same issues! His letter seems filled with very little praise and lots of warnings! In today’s reading he writes, “Think carefully about what is right, and stop sinning. For to your shame I say that some of you don’t know God at all!” Why does he seem to never lose his zeal to preach about the things that touch every life—sin and death? He concludes, “For sin is the sting that results in death and the law give sin its power. But thank God! He gives us victory over sin and death through our Lord Jesus Christ. So my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and immovable. Always work enthusiastically for the Lord, for you know nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless.”
Act: Sin is not an easy (or fun) topic to talk about and yet Paul does not shy away from it. Why? Sin steals, kills and destroys love, intimacy, faith and joy. One of my greatest revelations as a young Christian was that I didn’t have to sin, I didn’t have to give in to it, I didn’t have to be consumed by it. Instead, I could take all my passion and zeal and put it toward chasing after God and doing good. I began to look for ways to do the right things, be with good people, and make God proud of my choices. It was exhilarating. And what would I always say after I knew God had given me courage to do something good or right? I would sing or shout, “Praise the Lord! Thank God!” Today, make simple choices to stay away from sin. Make daily choices about friends and activities that would make you strong and immovable in your faith. And every time God helps you make the right decision, say, “Thank You God for giving me victory over sin!”
Pray: Dear Jesus, help me to make simple, moment-by-moment, conscious choices today that give You the power over sin in my life. Give me a strong and immovable faith by giving me courage to say “no” to _________________________. I love You. Amen.
Be full of faith today!
