Daily Devotion Dec. 12, 2023

Posted on Dec 12, 2023 in Pastor's Blog |

Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight” (Proverbs 3:5-6, NIV).

From the first moments of birth, we are encouraged to live independently. A newborn baby must learn to breath on her own once the umbilical cord is cut. Walking is also a rite of passage toward autotomy. A toddler’s first steps open new opportunities to explore God’s creation. Time passes quickly as the child crosses the graduation stage and prepares to leave home.

Perhaps our journey toward independence is the reason that a life of faith is so difficult. Faith runs counter to much of what we are taught. Faith carries with it a number of meanings and applications. Yet, the primary intent of faith is to live dependently upon God. We have the privilege of overhearing a father-son talk in a portion of today’s Scripture from Proverbs 3:5-6:

“Trust in the LORD with all your heart

and lean not on your own understanding;

in all your ways submit to him,

and he will make your paths straight.”

Contrary to first appearance, Solomon was not teaching his son to think uncritically. To lean not on one’s understanding inspires a person to filter every thought and action through the wisdom of God. The Apostle Paul claimed that every person who lives in Christ possesses the mind of Christ (see 1 Corinthians 2:16). A life dependent upon Jesus is not to think by oneself but to think for oneself through the mind and wisdom of Christ.

Years ago, a campaign swept our nation with the question, “What would Jesus do?” WWJD became the mantra of a generation. But, before asking the question as to what Jesus would do, it seems to me that we first should be asking ourselves, “What is Jesus thinking (WIJT)?” “How would Jesus view this situation?” “What perspective might Jesus take?”

So, what’s on your mind?

Prayer

Lord God, today allow me to filter every attitude, feeling, and thought through the mind of Jesus. Grant me the wisdom to see others from your perspective. Through Christ I pray. Amen.