6 Minute Read
Today’s Bible Reading:
Joshua 7:16-9:2
Luke 16:1-18
Psalm 82:1-8
Proverbs 13:2-3
Today’s Bible Verse(s):
Luke 16:13 (NLT): “No one can serve two masters. For you will hate one and love the other; you will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and be enslaved to money.”
Reflections on Today’s Bible Verse(s):
In Americanized Christianity, we tend to think of our relationship with God as a segment of our life. We see it as a small part of our life. There is church time, work time, family time, me time, etc.
While we wouldn’t audibly agree with the fact that we compartmentalize our relationship with Jesus each day, our schedules tell us differently. What we do with our time often makes it clear that God is not first and foremost in our thoughts and actions when we are away from church or our daily (hopefully!) time in God’s Word and prayer.
When we look at our verse for the day, we are reminded that God wants all of us, not just a part of us.
Luke 16:13 (NLT): “No one can serve two masters. For you will hate one and love the other; you will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and be enslaved to money.”
The language of Luke 16:13 tells us that it is impossible to serve God as we should while serving other things, too. There is no room for a segmented, compartmentalized life. We recognize that God owns us, and we are serving Him accordingly, or we are not.
Does that mean we must quit our jobs, leave our families, and give up our hobbies so that we can join a monastery or serve in a ministry to serve Jesus every moment of our day? Of course not.
Jesus wants us to experience the joy of serving Him while we go about the various activities of our day.
1 Corinthians 10:31 (NLT): “So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.”
Colossians 3:17 (NLT): “And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father.”
So, as you live out the moments of your day, live with a conscious awareness of Jesus’ presence with you in each of those moments. Let prayers flow from your lips throughout the day, especially when you need something from Him (e.g., wisdom for a decision, courage, peace, etc.). Consider writing a “verse for the day” down on an index card each morning so that you can meditate on it during the day.
Whatever it takes, strive to serve the Lord wholeheartedly while you live the moments of your day. Why? Because each follower of Jesus longs to one day hear Him say: “Well done, my good and faithful servant.” (Matthew 25:21).
Matt Ellis is the pastor of First Baptist Church in Polk City, Florida (fbcpolkcity.com). His latest book is God’s Grace in the Real World. Connect with him on Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn.
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