Day 227

Nehemiah 9:22–10:39; 1 Corinthians 9:19–10:13; Psalm 34:1-10; Proverbs 21:13

AS WE CONTINUED the story found in Nehemiah, we read the conclusion of the returning exile’s prayer of confession. The people reached a place of humble repentance before God and vowed not to follow the same path that had previously led them into exile.

In 1 Corinthians, Paul continued to share his posture of ministry. Yesterday, he spoke of the honorable right of those who had devoted themselves to ministry to be able to care for their needs and support their families from that work —even though he didn’t exercise this right.

Today, Paul discussed the fact that he was a free man but had found it meaningful to look at himself as a slave to all people. In looking at the world through those eyes, Paul could revere everyone no matter who they were. Paul explained it like this: “I try to find common ground with everyone, doing everything I can to save some. I do everything to spread the Good News and share in its blessings” (1 Corinthians 9:22-23).

Paul then encouraged us to consider this posture in our own lives, showing us that it takes the same kind of self-discipline an athlete must commit to in order to win. One of those disciplines is vigilance in observing the ways our hearts can be seduced or tempted. By way of illustration, Paul used examples of when the ancient Hebrews were seduced away from God:

If you think you are standing strong, be careful not to fall. The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure.

The example Paul gave the Corinthians is one we can all put to good use: lowering ourselves so that we might find common ground with whomever we are interacting with; understanding that this posture is a discipline we must commit to; learning from the historical past and choosing to not repeat it; and being vigilant about the things that would pull our hearts off course. These characteristics are all found in the life of the Savior, and following them will assure us of the path we are on.

MEDITATION:

I will boast only in the LORD; let all who are helpless take heart. Come, let us tell of the LORD’s greatness; let us exalt his name together.