READING:
One-year plan: Leviticus 25-27
Two-year plan: Job 3-4, Acts 18:1-17
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I’ve learned that it’s easier to say, “This world is not my home” than it is to live as if that were true. Everything within us and around us pushes against that idea. We’re raised to be successful, to achieve, to work toward goals, to get stuff that gives us security as we raise a family. We go to school not only to learn, but also to secure the education we need to gain strong employment. Even as we approach death, we often think about making sure we leave behind as much as we can for those who come behind us. We aim to succeed so others will succeed after us.
And, in some ways, none of this is wrong. We certainly want to give our all for the Lord, doing everything we do for His glory. There is no room for laziness in following the Lord. In addition, what we earn in this world offers us more opportunity to give to the Lord’s work that prepares people for eternity. No, none of this is inherently wrong—unless we start living as if we belong in this world, aiming for temporary gain and recognition over against honoring the Lord. The problem comes when we think what we gain and have is ours.
The Hebrews were to remember that truth when they entered the Promised Land. So, the Lord said to them, “The land is not to be permanently sold because it is mine, and you are only aliens and temporary residents on my land” (Lev 25:23). God gave them laws for how they were to treat the land because He alone had the right to do so. He owned it all in the first place.
That’s still the case for you and me as we live as strangers and exiles in this world (1 Pet 2:11). It’s all His in the first place.
PERSONAL REFLECTION: In what ways are you living for this world?
DAILY PRAYER: “God, remind me today that everything I have and am belong to You.”
TOMORROW’S READINGS:
One-year plan: Numbers 1-2
Two-year plan: Job 5, Acts 18:18-28
MEMORIZATION VERSE (Feb 1-15):
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9)