“For what is a man profited if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?” Matt. 8:36
Today’s Daily Devotional
When I was a teenager, I dreamed of becoming a famous actress. I saw the beautiful people of the world on the covers of magazines, traveling to exotic places and experiencing the best that life had to offer. I wanted a piece of THAT pie. As soon as I could scrounge up enough money, I enrolled in my first acting class. Because of my relentless determination to “make it”, I excelled quickly. I did not seem to have too much trouble tapping into my (already) dramatic self. My drive to be the best in the class motivated me to continue to keep challenging myself. After my lessons were becoming a bit “too easy”, I felt ready to take my talent to the next level. My acting coach gave me a scene that horrified me to the core. The script called for me to kiss my costar. Affection and intimacy was something my tender heart reserved only for those whom I had affection for. The terror in my eyes and the stiffness in my body could not be concealed. As I bravely mustered through the painful scene, I could see my teacher’s former confidence in my ability was wavering. I was no Marilyn Monroe. After that class was over, I dropped the dream of ever seeing myself up on the silver screen and never attempted to act again. To me, no amount of money was worth disrespecting the personal boundaries I had set for myself. I was the one who had to face myself in the mirror everyday. If I went against my own personal conviction, I was selling myself short. We all know when we have gone “too far” and crossed the line. There is a heavy pull on our hearts to choose the higher ground. If you have crossed your own line, and feel that there is nowhere to go but down, you are wrong. Look up. Stand up. Forgiveness can be found when you ask God for it. What is stopping you now?
“Dear Heavenly Father,
I have chased the dream of “something more” and a life that could give me all the comforts that being privileged can bring. Although this kind of posh is something that is envied, it is also something that is empty. This is especially true if it comes at the cost of going against the convictions of my heart. I am tired of disappointing myself. I know I am capable of doing things in an honorable way. My heart craves to. Yet, I have developed an attitude of impatience and this instant gratification, has left me with a scar on my self-esteem. How can I respect myself after all that I know I have done? Lord, only you have the power to forgive my sins and wash me clean again. I admit to you my dishonesty and laziness. I come to you with a shattered self-image, one that I destroyed. I ask for your forgiveness and I accept it. Guide me by the light of your word so I can become the person I know is deep within me—a person that I respect. In Jesus’ precious name, thank you for your mercy, Amen.”