Passage of the Day:
The two angels arrived at Sodom in the evening, and Lot was sitting in the gateway of the city. When he saw them, he got up to meet them and bowed down with his face to the ground. 2 “My lords,” he said, “please turn aside to your servant’s house. You can wash your feet and spend the night and then go on your way early in the morning.” “No,” they answered, “we will spend the night in the square.” 3 But he insisted so strongly that they did go with him and entered his house. He prepared a meal for them, baking bread without yeast, and they ate. 4 Before they had gone to bed, all the men from every part of the city of Sodom—both young and old—surrounded the house. 5 They called to Lot, “Where are the men who came to you tonight? Bring them out to us so that we can have sex with them.” 6 Lot went outside to meet them and shut the door behind him 7 and said, “No, my friends. Don’t do this wicked thing, Genesis 19:1-7.
Reflection:
In the last few episodes of Seinfeld, Jerry, Elaine, George and Kramer are arrested and convicted of filming and watching a crime rather than intervening. While this aired 26 years ago, this sitcom has influenced society in a negative manner. Individuals more concerned with becoming the next social media influencer on TikTok or You Tube are emulating their favorite television characters. Subsequently, knowing when to say when has become a lost art, silenced by peer pressure. Despite living in sin plagued city of Sodom, even Lot knew when to speak up.
Prayerful Action:
Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction, 2 Timothy 4:2.
Setting Clear Boundaries to Live By:
I spent 6 months living and working in downtown Wilmington, Delaware. I served as the Summer Workcamp Coordinator working with local churches to set up mission trips and work projects. While I wasn’t that successful attracting youth groups to serve God in the inner city, I recall one Saturday when a playground was reclaimed from drug dealers and transformed into a safe haven for children to play. As teenagers spent the morning picking up trash, locals curiously watched from inside their homes. After lunch, concerned parents got involved, bringing this playground back from the dead. When someone stands up and declares, “enough is enough,” others will join this movement to make their neighborhood a safer place to live.
Song of the Day:
Final Thoughts:
We all have regrets in life which may be highlighted by the lyrics of Threshold of Regret. Yet, when things start to get out of control, don’t be afraid to raise your voice by urging others to stop before they do something they will regret.
by Jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 