On the first and third Mondays of each month, anyone who wants to participate can post their thoughts on a specific verse--posted here at my blog on the Thursday before, to allow you to chew on it over the weekend. It doesn't have to be long -- just a few thoughts, a picture you feel helps express it, a poem, a short story, a devotional. Just post it on your blog on Mondayish (early OR late is fine, by the way!), then come back here and link up in the Linky Tools gadget that will be at the bottom of MY post at o'dark thirty that morning.
Today's verse is one that I struggle with living out - and I'm guessing I'm not the only one.
Live as free people, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as God’s slaves. 1 Peter 2:16 NIVLooking forward to your thoughts. Mine are below.
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There are so many things that I love to do. Read. Write (most of the time, anyway). Play on the computer. Play with my kids. Eat chocolate. Nap. The list goes on.
And, according to God's Word, I am free to do these things. I am living under grace now, and "all things are lawful for me." (ICor 10:23a) I am saved by God's favor and will. And that salvation cannot be lost. I am free.
But just because I can, doesn't mean I should. If I trip up an unbeliever, God is not pleased. If I choose my "better" instead of His "best," God is not pleased. And my primary job on this earth is to be pleasing to my Heavenly Father.
If reading that book, no matter the subject, is causing me to avoid something God has told me to do, I am using it to cover up evil. If playing with my children is my way of avoiding disciplining them, I am sinning in that play. If I am writing an incredible devotional instead of LIVING it, I am out of God's will, and He is not pleased.
Yes, I have freedom - but the most liberating, most powerful freedom of all is the freedom to follow God and avoid all that displeases Him.
And only then are you free indeed.
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Thanks for reading! Be sure you link up below, and read the contributions of the other folks. You won't be sorry.
Paving Rough Roads With God's Presence
Joanne, I love how you made brought this verse out. When I read the passage for today's Monday Manna, I was a bit stumped but you've made it so plan. Have a great week!
ReplyDeleteI love your thoughts on this scripture and they are right on! This line really hit home with me, "If I choose my "better" instead of His "best," God is not pleased."
ReplyDeleteGreat post!!
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
andrea
Thanks for your persistence with Monday Manna. I love the verses you pick and have missed participating. Terrific verse to meditate on this week!
ReplyDelete