The Please-Like-Me's: Free to Be God's Person
Tuesday, August 11, 2020
Living Free Every Day®
A ministry of LivingFree.org
Today's Scripture
"All of you, slave and free both, were once held hostage in a sinful society. Then a huge sum was paid out for your ransom. So please don't, out of old habit, slip back into being or doing what everyone else tells you. Friends, stay where you were called to be. God is there. Hold the high ground with him at your side." 1 Corinthians 7:23-24 MSG
Thoughts for Today
Christ paid the greatest price—his life—so that we might have freedom from slavery to sin. And yet when we slip back into making our choices to please people, we actually become a slave to their opinion. God wants us to seek godly counsel, to glean from others' wisdom, but he does not want us to be motivated by a need to be accepted by others.
Putting our trust in people will lead to disappointment. Even those who mean well will disappoint us at times. Others may outright reject us. Jesus understands. He suffered indignation, rejection and betrayal.
Even though people may reject us, we can be confident that Jesus never will. When we repented of our sin and received him as our savior, he clothed us in his righteousness (Isaiah 61:10). Nothing can separate us from his love (Romans 8:37-39). He will never leave us nor forsake us (Hebrews 13:5).
Consider this …
Are you a slave to other people's opinions—always seeking their approval, walking in fear of their rejection? Good news! Through the power and love of Jesus, you can be free of this bondage. You are returning his love. He has a good plan for your life. "Stay where you were called to be. God is there. Hold the high ground with him at your side."
Sometimes making the choices to do things God's way, rather than the world's way, might seem difficult … even frightening. But we can take great comfort in knowing that his way is always the best way. And as we make the choice to please God, to do things his way, he will give us the strength and courage we need.
We can do all things through Christ. Philippians 4:13
Prayer
Father, I thank you that through Christ I have been set free—free to be the person you designed me to be, free from a fear of rejection. Teach me to walk in that freedom—to always put you first in my life, to make choices based on your plan for me. In Jesus' name …
These thoughts were drawn from … Lessons Learned: Moving from Homosexuality to Holiness by Tammy Webb-Witholt. This group study offers biblical tools, along with an abundance of hope, to anyone struggling with homosexuality. It is also a great group for anyone desiring a deeper walk with God. Note: This curriculum was written especially for small groups, and we encourage people to use it that way. However, it can also be used effectively as a personal study.
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