(1 Corinthians 8:1-13) So here’s a tough subject today, one that has caused even much devision in the church(global). One of my closest friends and I have had a conversation about how our actions, as Christian brothers and sisters, have an effect on those around us. We both worked at a Christian camp and we felt that it was so important to making sure that our lives outside of the camp reflected the same kind of life we lived, and taught, at the camp. It really ought to be obvious, as we are told many times in Scripture, that people will know we are Christians by our witness. I think it can be easy to use our freedom in Christ as an excuse to disregard how others view us.

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(1 Corinthians 7:1-16) As I read the NIV version of todays text it was a little clarifying to read that first verse. Paul, in this translation, doesn’t not say it is “better” for a man not to marry, he says it is “good” for a man not to marry. He goes on later to talk about the gift of singleness and gift of marriage. (1 Corinthians 7:7) I have struggled with this in the past as I wondered if God was calling me to a life of singleness, but Paul does not label it a calling but rather a gift. I guess it’s the idea of a gift, that for me, makes me feel that I am not meant to be single for the rest of my life. (And if you know my current circumstances, being in a relationship, and have had time to get to know me, you’d probably agree with me) I actually had a close friend, she’s like a Mom to me, tell me how she thought I would make such a good husband and father. Those words are kind of humbling really. Paul was making a point of bringing singleness and marriage onto a level playing field. At the time the church in Corinth was taking as singleness was superior to marriage.

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(1 Corinthians 6:12-20) It’s amazing how the free will that God has given us can be the very thing that can make us fall. The Scripture doesn’t lay out all the rights and wrongs in great detail, however God has given us an ability to know in our hearts whether something is pleasing to Him, or even if something is beneficial. There are many who justify their actions simply because it is not written about in Scripture. I do believe there is enough written in the Scripture to be able to know truly what is pleasing to God.

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(Genesis 25:28-34) Today’s devotional was quite short. However as we look at the lack of responsibility Esau had as the first born a question comes to my mind. Are we (Am I) fullfilling the God-given responsibilites we (I) have? I think it can be so easy to be lazy, and live comfortably, but I highly doubt this is what God has called us to. I desire, and I pray, that God would stir in me the will to step up to His calling in my life. Amen!

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