Sunday August 13
(Trinity 9)
Bible Reading: Matt. 18: 1 - 14
Topic: Stop Sin Before Sin Stops You
Like the disciples in
verse 1, many of us are often concerned about being "the greatest" in
our own little of world of influence such as family, church, community,
workplace or even nation.
Some may even go beyond
what James and John did in Mark 10: 35 - 40 to scheme their way to the top even
by dubious means.
But Jesus warns us against
unhealthy ambitions, attitudes, habits and practices that could prevent one
from entering Heaven, not to talk of being the greatest in it (vs. 3 - 4)
We must cut off such
worldly patterns of thought and clothe ourselves with child like humility if we
must enter Heaven.
Other things to be cut off
to enter Heaven are listed figuratively in vs. 8 - 9 as "hands",
"feet", and "eyes". These represent things we do, places we
go to and things we see.
Other terms used are
"little foxes that spoil the vineyard" (Songs of Solomon 2: 15),
"a little leaven that leavens the whole lump", (Gal. 5: 9),
"lust of the eye, lust of the flesh and pride of life" (1 john 2: 15
- 17)
Let us re-examine
ourselves today and cut off those interests, pleasures and preoccupations that
hinder our relationship with God.
Prayer
Search me O God and know
my heart, see if there is any offensive way in me and revive me in Jesus Name,
Amen.
Memory Verse Matt. 18: 3
"And Verily I say
unto you, Except ye be converted and become as little children, ye shall not
enter into the Kingdom of Heaven."
(The Daily Devotional Guide of the Church of Nigeria Anglican Communion)
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