Passage of the Day:
Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. 18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. 19 Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,”[d] says the Lord. 20 On the contrary: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.”[e] 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good, Romans 12:17-21.
Reflection:
If you study cultural trends, music and television reflects current beliefs, ideas and opinions. Back in the 1950 and early 60’s, American shows were family oriented with songs that spoke to situations in life. Today, adult content permeates the airwaves with explicit and sexual vibes pushing the envelope further than I ever imagined. Those who follow human nature tend to repay evil for evil, going with the flow culturally. Yet, the apostle Paul calls members of the Church at Rome to God’s standards. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus calls those in attendance to perfection, Matthew 5:48. While no one is perfect, Romans 3:9-12, people of faith should strive to meet the standards in the Bible.
Prayerful Action:
“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor[i] and hate your enemy.’ 44 But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous,” Matthew 5:43-45.
Clinging to a Glimmer of Hope this Fall:
Integrity is doing what’s right when nobody is looking. While God sees all things, Christians should follow Jesus’ first century call to love your neighbor. Just as Israel followed the Ten Commandments throughout the Old Testament, modern-day Christians should seek to pursue biblical principles. While people may think you’re strange for not repaying evil for evil, doing the right thing in God’s eye is proof that people of faith don’t finish last.
Song of the Day:
Final Thoughts:
Today’s song serves as a reminder that we all lose our way in life. Rather than emulating biblical standards, peer pressure may lead you to repay evil for evil. May the lyrics of City on a Hill help you find hope that in God’s eyes, people of faith don’t finish last.
by Jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 