“That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; And be renewed in the spirit of your mind: And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.” Eph. 4:22-24
Today’s Christian daily devotional
Running late to my nail appointment, I throw on the first fresh T-shirt I find in my pile of clean laundry. It is one of “those days” and I chalk it up to just that. Accepting this, I search for the biggest pair of sunglasses I own.
I need this pedicure like a drowning man needs his life vest. As the pink awning from my nail salon peaks over the horizon, my nerves start to settle a bit. This is my neighborhood oasis, a place where I can hide from the world for a moment and enjoy some quiet pampering relaxation.
As I approach my urban oasis, a stranger from across the street wildly waves her hands at me. Her eyes light up as if we know each other from way back when. I study her face and I try to figure out how I know her but nothing comes to mind. My blank expression and unbroken walk didn’t stop her from crossing the street to approach me.
“So, did they win today?” Her smile was as bright as the sun I was shielding myself from.
“Excuse me?” I speak slowly, figuring she might be a tad “off”. There are many colorful personalities on the streets of Chicago.
“The Cubs, silly! You are wearing a Soriano T-shirt…” Her answer sounded like a shameful rebuke.
“Oh.” I look down at my chest. I bought the shirt because it was on sale, and it defied the Sox. In Chicago, being a Cub’s fan is a bloodline inheritance; much like being Jewish.
The stranger shakes her head as she rejoins her friend waiting across the street. She is gravely disappointed that I didn’t have a score to report back to her. Apparently wearing a Cubs shirt on a game day holds a sacred unwritten responsibility.
Just like a team shirt shows that you are a team player, being a Christian gives every believer the responsibility and honor of actually representing Christ Himself.
In Ephesians 4:22-24, the Bible states that being a Christian is not a passive title. It is allowing Christ Himself to change your heart, actions, words, attitude and every single area of your life.
When was the last time you checked your score on those changes God has been trying to make in you? Are you attempting to hit your life out of the park and make a difference for the team you stand for; or are you just wearing the clean T-shirt and accepting a seat on the bench?
“Dear Heavenly Father,
What a fair-weather fan I have been. I see that my commitment to you is not as strong as your commitment has been to me. Thank you for holding out for the best in me, and I believe I can give you much more than I have been.
Lord, you have been so generous to me. When I look back on my life, I see blessing after blessing. I also see that I quickly forget to honor the God who made sure that I got blessed.
Lord, I come to you with a heavy heart. I am not worthy to bear the name of Christ; as I have not been consistent at all. One day I am praising your name, the next day I am fearful and wavering in my trust of you. I will call a friend to vent or complain, but forget to call on the God who can give me peace through any situation.
Oh, the more I look to you the more I see that your mercy runs so deep. Please don’t stop pouring it out on me. Give me the common sense not to bite the hand of your grace.
In Jesus’ precious name, I kiss the hand of God.
Lord, today I don’t just want to say I am a Christian with my mouth. I want to say it with my actions. Help me to make you proud and continue going strong for you when everyone else has given up. Let me be a trophy of victory for you. Amen.”
Thank you for reading today’s Christian daily devotional on verses: Ephesians 4:22-24
Please check back and see what we have for you tomorrow!
Author: Julia Shalom Jordan
*This devotional was written in honor of the Schlapp family. Your dedication to the Cubs is a real inspiration to Chicago. (At least the North Side!)