Morning Devotion

I get these daily Christian Women Devotions and wanted to post today's devotion. Have a blessed day!

"These things happened to them as examples and were written down as warnings for us, on whom the fulfillment of the ages has come" (1 Corinthians 10:11). In order to learn from the mistakes of those who lived before us, let's look at the specific sins that were to serve as warnings for us:

"Do not be idolaters, as some of them were;" (1 Corinthians 10:7)
"We should not commit sexual immorality, as some of them did--" (1 Corinthians 10:8a)
"We should not test the Lord, as some of them did--" (1 Corinthians 10:9a)
"And do not grumble, as some of them did--" (1 Corinthians 10:10a)

Consider carefully what each of these behaviors represents, to understand how they are present in the twenty first century. Idolatry is simply worshiping anything or anyone other than God. We were created to worship, but too often we allow sports, music, financial power or fame to become the objects of our devotion rather than God. In a society like ours that has erased the lines of right and wrong, not much is even considered immoral. Sexual immorality -- any sexual behavior outside of marriage - is the ultimate expression of selfishness, seeking pleasure regardless of the cost. Those who tested God challenged His right to command them. To put it plainly, they were unwilling to submit to God's authority. Grumbling reveals an ungrateful heart. It fills me with fear to realize that God included complaining in the same list as idolatry and sexual immorality. The fulfillment of the ages -- Christ's death, resurrection and imminent return -- has come. Thus, in 2008, let us heed the warning. We must flee from evil behavior and set our hearts on serving God.

~God, forgive me for giving in to sin and then trying to justify my actions. Make my whole desire this year to seek You and to walk in Your holiness.

Questions: What idols have you been prone to worship? Why did God treat grumbling so seriously?

Author: Suzanne Benner