V180
V180
Word4Today Daily Bible Devotional

by Bob and Debby Gass

‘Even though “I am allowed to do anything,” I must not become a slave to anything.’ 1 Corinthians 6:12 NLT

Paul said, ‘You say, “I am allowed to do anything”—but not everything is good for you. And even though “I am allowed to do anything,” I must not become a slave to anything.’

If you’re serious about spiritual growth, look for opportunities to say no to yourself in small ways. Then one day you will be able to say no when it really counts. Daniel started by saying no to eating the king’s food, and later was able to say no to bowing to the king’s idols. Zero in on the undisciplined areas of your life; the ones you keep excusing, rationalising, and ignoring.

Paul measured his actions by this yardstick: ‘Is it beneficial? Does it have the potential to control me?’ (see 1 Corinthians 6:12).

You have a ‘right’ to eat a tub of ice cream every night if you want. It’s permissible—but it’s not ‘beneficial’, especially if you want unblocked arteries, a trim waistline, the ability to run a marathon, or to just have enough puff to keep up with your mates.

You have a ‘right’ to spend your money as you please, but don’t complain when you end up strangled by debt.

You have a ‘right’ to look at whatever you want on your phone or tv, but exposure to wrong influences will inevitably weaken your character, steal your self-respect, and enslave you.

Bottom line: your character is the sum total of the choices you make each day. When it comes to replacing bad habits with good ones, the only person who can make that happen is you!

SoulFood: Hosea 11–14, Matt 21:33–46, Ps 17, Pro 14:13–16

word4today an adaptation of The Word For Today is authored by Bob and Debby Gass and published under licence from UCB International Copyright 2024

V180 Logo

Tap here to get this reading each day directly in your inbox

Select Specific Day

SMTWTFS
« MayJul »