But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints.
—Ephesians 5:3 (KJV)
"Not even a hint!" Hmmmm! The church I attend and the person I see most often in the mirror don't quite measure up to this directive of "not even a hint...! If the sexual saturation of our society doesn't get us or the impure things of our culture don't do us in, greed often does. In our world of conspicuous consumption, greed concerns me as much as the immorality and impurity of modern times because it is rooted in the same selfishness as those other temptations. It is not that I am unconcerned with sexual immorality or impurity but that we have become so calloused and blind to our own greed. In this season of giving, let's honestly examine our hearts about our "wanting," "getting," and "possessing." Let's choose to be people who share, care, and give thanks!
Forgive me, generous LORD, for my bouts with selfishness and greed. Please give me a heart like yours that is generous, gracious, and loving. You demonstrated your heart when you shared your most precious gift with sinners like me — your Son and my Savior, Jesus. Now, I am a child at your table and an heir of your inheritance in Jesus. Please, dear LORD, use your Spirit to stir me to be generous and gracious. In the name of the greatest gift of all, Jesus, I pray. Amen.
All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House.
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—Ephesians 5:3 (KJV)
Thoughts on Today's Verse...
"Not even a hint!" Hmmmm! The church I attend and the person I see most often in the mirror don't quite measure up to this directive of "not even a hint...! If the sexual saturation of our society doesn't get us or the impure things of our culture don't do us in, greed often does. In our world of conspicuous consumption, greed concerns me as much as the immorality and impurity of modern times because it is rooted in the same selfishness as those other temptations. It is not that I am unconcerned with sexual immorality or impurity but that we have become so calloused and blind to our own greed. In this season of giving, let's honestly examine our hearts about our "wanting," "getting," and "possessing." Let's choose to be people who share, care, and give thanks!
My Prayer...
Forgive me, generous LORD, for my bouts with selfishness and greed. Please give me a heart like yours that is generous, gracious, and loving. You demonstrated your heart when you shared your most precious gift with sinners like me — your Son and my Savior, Jesus. Now, I am a child at your table and an heir of your inheritance in Jesus. Please, dear LORD, use your Spirit to stir me to be generous and gracious. In the name of the greatest gift of all, Jesus, I pray. Amen.
All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House.
Continue reading...
