DCLM HIGHER EVERYDAY 9 January 2022 — Before Acting Consider Others
DCLM Higher Everyday 9 January 2022 Devotional by Pastor W. F. Kumuyi — Before Acting Consider Others
TOPIC: BEFORE ACTING CONSIDER OTHERS
TEXT: 1 CORINTHIANS 8:4-13
4 As concerning therefore the eating of those things that are offered in sacrifice unto idols, we know that an idol is nothing in the world, and that there is none other God but one.
6 But to us there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we in him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him.
7 Howbeit there is not in every man that knowledge: for some with conscience of the idol unto this hour eat it as a thing offered unto an idol; and their conscience being weak is defiled.
8 But meat commendeth us not to God: for neither, if we eat, are we the better; neither, if we eat not, are we the worse.
9 But take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a stumblingblock to them that are weak.
10 For if any man see thee which hast knowledge sit at meat in the idol’s temple, shall not the conscience of him which is weak be emboldened to eat those things which are offered to idols;
11 And through thy knowledge shall the weak brother perish, for whom Christ died?
12 But when ye sin so against the brethren, and wound their weak conscience, ye sin against Christ.
13 Wherefore, if meat make my brother to offend, I will eat no flesh while the world standeth, lest I make my brother to offend.
MEMORY VERSE: “Wherefore, if meat make my brother to offend, I will eat no flesh while the world standeth, lest I make my brother to offend” (1 CORINTHIANS 8:13).
MESSAGE:
A driver who is experienced, but always claims he is right all the time, without taking into consideration that there are amateur drivers on the highway to bear with, would soon cause an avoidable fatal accident because of his rigidity.
Also read Avoid Evil Association
Christianity calls for forfeiture of our rights at times so that we can carry everybody along in the house of God. Hence, it is better to deny yourself of personal pleasure than to cause others to sin.
‘Action speaks louder than words,’ so says the adage. It simply means our ways of life can easily affect others positively or negatively because they are like a mirror before them.
Also Read Show me your friend!
Christian liberty must be tailored towards God’s overall objective, which is to portray true godliness in Christ Jesus. In our Christian walk, we must not mislead others.
Apostle Paul enjoined the church under his leadership to follow him, even as he was a follower of Christ. Let this be our watchword, so that we can be channels of blessings to others, and not barriers.
QUOTE: Action speaks louder than words.
CHALLENGE: Be a channel of blessing to others.
PRAYER: Lord, make me to live for Your glory from day to day.
1. Admit that you are a sinner. "For all [humans] have sinned, and comes short of the glory of God....[and] the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord" (Romans 3:23)
2. Repent now. "Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out ...[for] if we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness " (Acts 3:19, 1 John 1:9)
3. Believe that God loves you and Jesus died for you. "God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet Sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8)
4. Invite Jesus into your life through prayer of faith. Jesus says, "Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me" (Revelation 3:20)
