Listen to this devotion
What identifies me as a Christian?
In the Word
If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world (John 15:19a).
Of the Word
Everyone wants to belong. Rejection is a universal fear. In our quest for acceptance we may be tempted to compromise our Christian values and hide our Christian identity at times. What a mistake! God’s Word encourages us: Do not conform yourselves to the standards of this world, but let God transform you inwardly by a complete change of your mind. Then you will be able to know the will of God — what is good and is pleasing to him and is perfect (Romans 12:2 GNT). The Holy Spirit, alive in our hearts by faith, works the inward change. Our human nature shows up in immorality, false worship, fighting, jealousy, anger, drunkenness, and excesses of all kinds. However … the Spirit produces love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, humility, and self-control … And those who belong to Christ Jesus have put to death their human nature with all its passions and desires. The Spirit has given us life; he must also control our lives (Galatians 5:22, 23a, 24, 25 GNT). When He does, the world will know to Whom we belong!
Walking with my Lord
Lord Jesus, forgive me when I’m tempted to keep my love and commitment to You a secret. When I’m faced with difficult choices, remind me I belong to You. In Your name I pray. Amen.
Mustard Seed: Walking with My Lord. Author: Donna Streufert. 18/30 ©2007 Lutheran Women’s Missionary League, 801 Seminary Place Ste. L010, St. Louis, MO 63105. www.lwml.org
Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture quotations were taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. All rights reserved worldwide.
Scripture quotations marked GNT are taken from the GOOD NEWS TRANSLATION – Second Edition, American Bible Society, New York, NY. Copyright © 1992.
