“For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile. Let him eschew evil, and do good; let him seek peace, and pursue it. For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers; but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil.” 1 Peter 3:10-11
Today’s Christian Daily Devotional
“Can you believe she’s wearing that? It is so last season.” My neighbor edges in on my personal space and continues to stare as she sips her wine.
I look down at my own outfit. I cannot remember what year I bought it, let alone what season. Apparently, vintage chic is not good enough for this social circle.
My heart breaks as I look at the wine guzzling fashonista. She is so self-absorbed she can’t even see that there is a real, live human being beyond the offensive outfit.
“I think she looks pretty. She also looks bored and lonely. Let’s find out what her name is!” I grab her free hand and without giving her a chance to decline, I turn my heels and whip her into the direction of our new friend.
After a brief and uncomfortable introduction, the two girls discovered they grew up in the same town. To both of their delights, they had many things in common that had nothing to do with the latest style. It was refreshing to see them laugh while they discovered it.
It is quite the trend today not only to cut others down; but also to make good money and sport out of it. How sad it is to notice that the Internet, tabloid television and gossip magazines have taken jealousy and rivalry to a whole new level of low.
It seems the more we have, the more we want what OTHERS have; and the more we will cut that person down until they can no longer enjoy it. This not only robs us of our personal joy, it distracts us from achieving our own accomplishments. Embracing this cannibalistic mindset isolates us from friends that can be a blessing instead of our competition.
This verse indicates that speaking and doing evil will actually turn God’s blessings away from us. He only listens to the heartfelt prayers of the ones that choose to love others and pursue peace with their brothers and sisters.
Keep 1 Peter 3:10-11 in mind the next time you are at the checkout counter chuckling at someone else’s misfortunes as if they were your personal entertainment. Would it be just as funny if your folliables were the front-page news? When life starts going south for you, I pray that you will remember this verse. Be a blessing to others; don’t add to their headaches. God can bless a person with an attitude like that.
“Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank you for your mercy as this verse reveals to me that I do not deserve it. I have enjoyed hearing and spreading gossip. This is such an ugly sin. I ask that you forgive me and help me to stop justifying this wrong behavior as being part of a community. That is a lie from the pit of hell to keep me chained to my favorite “pet” sin. Lord, guard my mouth, from hurting others, offending you, and in the end, hurting myself by turning from your blessings. There is so much more that you desire to give me, and I know that I have stopped so many blessings in my life because of gossiping. I give my body to be used for beautiful and glorious things that will only build up and never tear down. In Jesus’ precious name, for the glory of being a shining (not shameful) witness for you, Amen.”
Thank you for reading today’s daily devotional. Please check back and see what we have for you tomorrow!
Author: Julia Shalom Jordan