November 9
I have a confession. For a couple of months earlier this year I got sucked into some viral videos where people read aloud messages left on Reddit boards. Long tales of ruined weddings, unfaithful spouses, and bad employers came with a laugh as the hosts gave advice on how the situation should be handled. What amazed me was how frequently people’s lives were being devastated by the selfishness of others. It is proof that we do indeed live in a sin-sick world, where people often prioritize their own needs above the needs of others.
By contrast, your actions as a caregiver are all for the benefit of someone else. You often set aside your own needs to make sure that your loved one is comfortable. With every medication given or sleepless night endured, you are ministering to your family. It beautifully mirrors how Paul tells us to present our bodies as a living sacrifice.
But Paul does not stop at bodily sacrifice—he calls us to be transformed by the renewal of our mind. We let our guard down when we are tired from our labors. Intrusive thoughts can easily enter in and take root—thoughts that neither honor a holy God or bring us closer to him. However, if we allow God to renew our minds, we can discern his will and find what is good in his sight. Instead of letting resentment take hold, find joy in serving. Forget your anger at the unfairness of the situation and find peace that surpasses understanding. Let God give you hope each morning by keeping his Word hidden in your heart.
And for the your own sake, don’t watch those videos I mentioned. I quickly found my spirit being pulled down not only by the sad stories, but more by the worldly advise being given. It would be far better for those people to have someone directing them to Christ. The other advise was merely a Band-Aid over the real problem of being separated from our Creator.
Prayer for today:
Heavenly Father, today I present my body as a living sacrifice. Help me also to renew my mind so that I will not be conformed to the ways of this world. Thank you for your mercy when I fail to live a life holy and acceptable to you. In Jesus name I pray, Amen.
