October 21
Luke 18:9-14; Mark 10:1-12; Matthew 19:1-12; Mark 10:13-16; Matthew 19:13-15; Luke 18:15-17; Mark 10:17-31; Matthew 19:16-30; Luke 18:18-30
As much as culture changes, human nature does not. The world may seem to be transforming at warp speed around us, but ultimately, our hearts are the same throughout all of history. If you question this, look no further than the issues addressed in Scripture. We see the Pharisee in Luke 18 bragging about his superior morality against someone else, and it's not hard to imagine someone on social media bragging about how superior they are to others. We see the disciples pushing away children from Jesus and see them valuing people for what they can do for them. Today we can imagine teenagers scoffing at a new kid who wants to be their friend. Finally, we see the rich young ruler valuing his accumulated wealth over everything else, and we can imagine someone driving a Maserati for all to see.
Jesus called people away from the sinfulness of their broken hearts to find the life and righteousness that he offered. Instead of embracing the values of our world, we are to value humility, people, and the things of God. God wants to transform our hearts into loving the things God loves and hating the things God hates. So let us allow God to change us into the likeness of Christ rather than conform to the pattern of the world.
Father God, give me your heart. Help me value things that are truly important, and value people like you do. Amen.
Where do you see your deeply held values in conflict with God's?
As much as culture changes, human nature does not. The world may seem to be transforming at warp speed around us, but ultimately, our hearts are the same throughout all of history. If you question this, look no further than the issues addressed in Scripture. We see the Pharisee in Luke 18 bragging about his superior morality against someone else, and it's not hard to imagine someone on social media bragging about how superior they are to others. We see the disciples pushing away children from Jesus and see them valuing people for what they can do for them. Today we can imagine teenagers scoffing at a new kid who wants to be their friend. Finally, we see the rich young ruler valuing his accumulated wealth over everything else, and we can imagine someone driving a Maserati for all to see.
Jesus called people away from the sinfulness of their broken hearts to find the life and righteousness that he offered. Instead of embracing the values of our world, we are to value humility, people, and the things of God. God wants to transform our hearts into loving the things God loves and hating the things God hates. So let us allow God to change us into the likeness of Christ rather than conform to the pattern of the world.
Father God, give me your heart. Help me value things that are truly important, and value people like you do. Amen.
Where do you see your deeply held values in conflict with God's?
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