IN THE BEGINNING...THE WORD
DAILY DEVOTIONAL FOR TODAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2012
ARE YOU JUST ACTING?
Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life. Proverbs 4:23
Many parents encourage their children to "act right." While growing up we often attempt to assume the proper attitude and proper mode of behavior. As we move into adulthood, unless we are spiritually instructed, we continue this "act." As children of God we are not acting at all; we are genuinely engaged in the fullness of life. A carnal person may act kindly. He may feverishly perform several actions that are extraordinary and even time consuming. Though these actions may look to be out of a heart of goodness and love, they may actually be motivated for self. Someone may do good works to be seen, or to compete against another, or to build a good reputation for personal advancement. If our motivation is self, the act is never an act of love, or kindness, or goodness.
We must genuinely love others and seek to serve their needs by being motivated for their good. Naturally, this will always involve sacrifice as we are putting our needs in subjection for the good of the other. We do this out of genuine love that comes from our Father's heart in the matter. Indeed, we must keep our hearts connected to God's heart so that we can serve Him in the earth. How do we keep our hearts connected to the heart of God? First, we must pray to see the needs of those around us and pray for the resources to meet those needs. This may be your husband, your wife, your sister or brother, your friend, your child, your neighbor, your enemy. Furthermore, we must confess our sins to the Father, who is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. Moreover, we must love out of a new heart, made in the likeness of Christ Jesus.
Today, let us be real.
