This is a synopsis of a devotional from "Word for You Today." We are reading it on Sunday, but I also wanted to post it here.
“Be an example in spirit.” 1 Tim. 4:12
In Bible times, Jews looked down on
non-Jews. They referred to them as “dogs.”
So when Christ’s disciples went into a Samaritan village to find accommodations
for the night, they were turned away.
Did the disciples face this opposition with understanding? Not a chance!
They said, “Lord, do you want us to command
fire to come down from heaven and consume them, just as Elijah did?” But He turned and rebuked them saying, “You
do not know what spirit you are of” (Luke 9:54-55). Check your spirit. You can be totally unaware of your attitude
and even use Scripture to justify yourself.
The disciples thought that because Elijah
called down fire on his enemies at Mount Carmel, they should be able to zap
their Samaritan contemporaries. Amazing,
considering Christ had just finished telling them: “Blessed are you when men hate you, when they
exclude and revile you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of Man’s
sake. Rejoice in that day and leap for
joy! For indeed your reward is great in
heaven!” (Luke 6:22-23)
Only as you read the Scriptures and pray can
God shine the spotlight on your hidden biases and help you correct them. Often the look on your face has more impact
than the words you speak. You can be
arrogant and think you’re being assertive.
You can be insensitive and think you’re a truth-teller. You can be purpose-driven and convince people
that their only value to you is in their contribution. When it comes to the spirit, it needs a
regular check-up.
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