Reading your Bible for today January 6

January 6: Romans 14:19-23

KJV Key Verse: Romans 14:23 23 And he that doubteth is damned if he eat, because he eateth not of faith: for whatsoever is not of faith is sin.

Devotion: There are so many things which people ask of Christians such as “is it ok to drink” or “is it ok to smoke” or “is it ok to eat meat because God made the animals”. Whilst most of these topics are covered in the Bible, people still ask because they may well have been confronted by someone who has objected to what they do or they simply have not read the whole bible.

God has given us instructions that we should take care of this body which He has supplied for us. Wanton destruction of this temple (our body) is the same as telling God face to face that you do not want to follow His rules. This single quote from Christ should rule out most things which are not good for you, but who decided what is good for you? This is where our own judgement needs to kick in –this is after all why God has given us an enquiring mind.

God has given each of us a wonderful brain which can discern when we offend others. We can do this through some of the most minute changes we see in others; a simple raising of the eyebrows or a frown without words. We even feel it when we offend others. God wants us to be able to live in peace with others so we can share in the wonderful life He has given to each of us. He wants us to be able to show His truth through what we do and how we do it. If we are going to blunder through life upsetting everyone, not because of the truth but simply because we want things our own way, then we are taking ourselves above God.

When we offend others because we are thinking of ourselves before anyone else, we are hurting His people. Each one of us is of Christ, so when we hurt someone else, we are acting against God. Holding up our own greed, desires or wants instead of following Christ's example is us thinking of ourselves before God. It is a hard line to follow, but not so hard if we ask Him to guide us...

Points to Ponder: Who do you think of first in your group of friends?

Is Christ really first in you life?