“For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged. But when we are judged, we are chastened of the Lord, that we should not be condemned with the world.” 1 Cor. 11:31
Today’s Christian Daily Devotional
Today I stare in unbelief as I see a familiar face plastered on the front of a local newspaper. A man, whom at one time in my life, taught me math and was a deacon at my childhood church, is being accused of some pretty horrible things. I cannot claim his guilt or innocence, as only God knows what really happened. But, I can tell you this—the accusations, true or not, already have gravely affected many lives. The teenagers who were under his supervision, the reputation of the church and the testimony of God’s people are all feeling the weight of it. In 1 Cor. 11:31, the apostle Paul brings up a very important exercise that will enable us to avoid this kind of pain and humiliation. If we, as individuals, were willing to ask God to look into our hearts and to convict the areas that we need to work on with Him, we will be able to walk with a clear conscience. By doing the “dirty work” for ourselves in private prayer with the Lord, we can come clean with God. When our personal sin is exposed, repented and forgiven God will be able to work more powerfully in our lives. There is no better freedom than enjoying a clear conscience–even when the world throws their ugly accusations. In this circumstance, God is on your side, for He has forgiven your sins and anyone else’s opinions will not have the power to take you down.
“Dear Heavenly Father,
My heart is heavy as I am grieving for this man and his family. As a spiritual leader, he was given the power to help (and to hurt) many people with his position. Lord, be with him and his family. If he is innocent, let the courts rule in his favor. If he is guilty in your eyes, let him pay the price for what he has done. But, most importantly, no matter what, please draw him into a closer relationship with you. Lord, our nation is suffering, our schools, our churches and our homes are crumbling. Leadership that follows the Bible seems to have fallen by the wayside and put below the ‘wisdom’ and fickleness of corrupt and wicked men. Lord, shake the earth. Shake it and let the ones who do not serve you fall out of their positions in disgrace. For those who will honor and serve this country well—I ask that you open up opportunities for them. Let the men of God rise up and take every leadership position that needs to be filled. I pray that your will be done in America as it is in heaven. In Jesus’ precious name, let the foundations of corruption and evil be leveled, Amen.”