Welcome to this week’s “In the Little things” Podcast. Have you ever tried to take a shortcut and ended up regretting it? Although shortcuts sometimes work out, they also sometimes… DON’T! Listen now as Jennifer shares her True Story!
Scripture:
Matthew 18:15 “If your brother or sister sins against you, go to them. Tell them what they did wrong. Keep it between the two of you. If they listen to you, you have won them back.
“And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ.”
“He who is slothful in his work
Is a brother to him who is a great destroyer.”
“Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might; for there is no work or device or knowledge or wisdom in the grave where you are going.”
“He who is faithful in what is least is faithful also in much; and he who is unjust in what is least is unjust also in much.”
“And we desire that each one of you show the same diligence to the full assurance of hope until the end, that you do not become sluggish, but imitate those who through faith and patience inherit the promises.”
Application: Too often, the easy way ends up leads to something in our lives being more difficult in the end. Just as laziness in a job can cause an employee to be terminated, laziness in a relationship can causes friendships to die, relatives to go years without speaking, and marriages to end. Are you taking shortcuts you shouldn’t be taking? Examine your life and see where maybe you have been trying to take the easier road than the right road.
Challenge:Once you’ve examined your life, make any changes necessary to improve in areas where you can tell you’ve been taking shortcuts. Maybe it is relational and you need to become more communicative, even if it’s uncomfortable to open up to someone about how you’ve been feeling. Perhaps you need to work harder at your job so your testimony is good before your fellow employees. Whatever it is, take it before God and ask Him to help you make whatever changes are necessary to improve various areas in your life.
Devotional Insight: Maybe you are a hard worker, a great communicator, and really aren’t taking any other discernible shortcuts in life. But if you’re not really connecting regularly with God, it would be helpful to step back and refocus. Your relationship with the Lord will impact pretty much every area of your life, so it is important to make sure it’s strong. Schedule a time every day for that to happen. Use that time to connect with the Lord through prayer & Bible reading. You may even enjoy reading scripture out loud or singing praise and worship songs as part of your devotional time. The Lord will just be happy to know you are reaching out to Him!
Guided Prayer: Lord, help us to see where we can make positive changes in my life, and help me to do them even when they are uncomfortable.Let us protect our witness to others. We love you!
