Passage of the Day:
Now there was a Pharisee, a man named Nicodemus who was a member of the Jewish ruling council. 2 He came to Jesus at night and said, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher who has come from God. For no one could perform the signs you are doing if God were not with him.” 3 Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.[a]” 4 “How can someone be born when they are old?” Nicodemus asked. “Surely they cannot enter a second time into their mother’s womb to be born!” 5 Jesus answered, “Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit. 6 Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit[b] gives birth to spirit. 7 You should not be surprised at my saying, ‘You[c] must be born again, John 3:1-7.
Reflection:
I was introduced to the term teetotalism while reading Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis. Teetotalism is a principle which practices complete abstinence to overcome a specific temptation. During my first health class in Junior High, I was taught if you want to assure yourself to stay clear of any sexual transmitted diseases, don’t have sex. Forty years later, birth control, condoms and other drugs are encouraging teens to participate in sex without all the consequences I feared. Despite this obvious cultural shift, the key to fulfilling teetotalism is becoming born again.
Prayerful Action:
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come:[a] The old has gone, the new is here! – 2 Corinthians 5:17
Setting Clear Boundaries to Live By:
When you meet someone who tells you that they are a Christian, this doesn’t mean anything. According to the apostle Paul, genuine Christians seek to become a new creation in Christ Jesus. One of the concerns about teetotalism is that you can become so consumed by avoiding sin that you could end up like the Amish, Puritans or become a modern-day Pharisee. The legal aspect of following the Bible lead religious leaders to focus on holiness rather than embrace God’s love. However, when Christians shifts their focus toward becoming more like Christ, the Holy Spirit will guide and teach you, Galatians 5:25. If you feel called to pursue teetotalism, draw closer to the Lord as a new creature in Christ.
Song of the Day:
Sometimes your friends may confuse religion with faith. May today’s devotion inspire you to rely on teetotalism to help others draw closer to the Lord.
by Jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 