Daily Devotional for May 31, 2024 – A meme, Scripture, and a National Spelling Bee… “How-to” lessons for the kid in all of us…

1 Peter 3:8-12
And now this word to all of you: You should be like one big happy family, full of sympathy toward each other, loving one another with tender hearts and humble minds. Don’t repay evil for evil. Don’t snap back at those who say unkind things about you. Instead, pray for God’s help for them, for we are to be kind to others, and God will bless us for it.

If you want a happy, good life, keep control of your tongue, and guard your lips from telling lies. Turn away from evil and do good. Try to live in peace even if you must run after it to catch and hold it! For the Lord is watching his children, listening to their prayers; but the Lord’s face is hard against those who do evil.

The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

This morning, a friend shared a meme with a list titled “40 Old-fashioned Skills That Kids Need to Know.” I copied the list (which actually has 51 items), and here are a few that I thought were particularly good…

How to write a letter

How to make a phone call

How to take a message

How to converse with an elder

How to play with a baby

How to sew on a button

How to genuinely apologize

How to introduce yourself

How to notice the needs of others

How to make scrambled eggs

How to balance a checkbook

How to write a thank you note

How to do laundry

How to wash dishes

How to budget

How to wait and save for something

How to ask questions to get to know someone better

How to read a map

How to find a book in the library

How to seek counsel from someone more experienced

How to care for a pet

How to select a thoughtful gift

How to admit a mistake

How to iron a shirt

How to give someone the benefit of the doubt

How to weigh pros and cons

How to have good table manners

How to use a fire extinguisher

How to address and stamp an envelope

How to write a check

How to refill a stapler

How to put air in a bike tire

How to pump gas

How to change a flat tire

I was particularly struck by the ones that spoke of relationships…how to give someone the benefit of the doubt; how to weigh pros and cons; how to admit a mistake; and how to genuinely apologize. This scripture would suggest that we add…“How to be gracious and refrain from gloating” and “How to guard our tongue and avoid snapping back.” I would also add, “How to pray for those who are evil, unkind, deceitful and dishonest.” And while the Bible is filled with guidance on the “mechanics” of these…the bottom line is that we simply need to begin.
 
Pray for those who snap back and are unkind – or downright mean. Pray for those who gloat, the liars, cheats, and deceitful ones who are always looking for a scapegoat or an excuse. When things go well for you, humbly praise God for the blessing and/or victory…but don’t lord over those who disagree or find themselves on the other side of an issue or situation. 
 
I watched a news report about two 12-year-olds who squared off in the 2024 Scripps National Spelling Bee. In the second-only “spell-off” ever, winner Bruhat Soma spelled 29 words correctly to the 20 words of Faizan Zaki. According to information at APNews.com, “Scripps said Bruhat’s winning word was ‘abseil,’ defined as ‘descent in mountaineering by means of a rope looped over a projection above.’” After his defeat, young Zaki walked over and politely shook the hand of Soma and congratulated him. I read where Zaki had shown encouragement to other students in the earlier rounds of the spell-off. He was humble in his own victory – and congratulated their efforts to make it as far as they did. 
 
We could learn a lot from these seventh graders. We could simply begin to be better people…to be kinder, more loving and gracious, and merciful. We don’t have to give anyone a “pass” for bad behavior – and there is nothing wrong with celebrating our triumphs and accomplishments. But we can be more like Christ in the way we approach and relate to others. We can love one another with tender hearts and humble minds. With God’s help, we can do this – and we must! So, let’s get started! Alleluia!

©2024 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for March 24, 2021 – Who Do You Think You Are?

1 Corinthians 1:26-31
My dear friends, remember what you were when God chose you. The people of this world didn’t think that many of you were wise. Only a few of you were in places of power, and not many of you came from important families. But God chose the foolish things of this world to put the wise to shame. He chose the weak things of this world to put the powerful to shame.

What the world thinks is worthless, useless, and nothing at all is what God has used to destroy what the world considers important. God did all this to keep anyone from bragging to him. You are God’s children. He sent Christ Jesus to save us and to make us wise, acceptable, and holy. So if you want to brag, do what the Scriptures say and brag about the Lord.

Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.

As I read this scripture passage, I thought of a television program that aired a few years ago…“Who Do You Think You Are?” This is one of several programs in recent years where people trace their ancestry with the help of experts. The people who are featured are what we consider “celebrities”…famous men and women who many recognize for their work as entertainers, athletes, or politicians. While some “royal” ancestors are sometimes uncovered in their lineage, a lot of times, the stories include oppression, discrimination – even slavery, or maybe a slave owner.

The point that Paul is making in this passage is that the only “lineage” that matters is your position as God’s child. The only “ancestor” that you should brag about is your Heavenly Father. And that brings me to another consideration…as a  redeemed child of Jesus Christ, how well do you represent Him? Are you living in a way that honors your heritage? Are you loving others as He demonstrated and commanded? Are you inclusive, patient, tolerant, and compassionate?

Do you see yourself as greater than someone else in some manner – or more loved by God because of who you think you are – or something you feel you have done better than others? Do you feel “special” in some way because of what you feel is important…or are you “set apart” because you serve Christ as He directs? There IS a difference! If you feel like you are blessed and anointed by God because of your position, your gender, your race, your social status, who you love, or your politics, you are sorely mistaken. God doesn’t measure us by these things. He considers our heart…how well we love both Christ Jesus – and others.

God is looking for heirs who live with intention…who wake up every day wondering how and where they can serve Him, with no thought of picking and choosing who might be worthy recipients of their words and actions. What the world thinks makes us wise and “holy” is often not at all what God is seeking. It is time for us to determine what God desires of us…and do it! It is time for us to be wise, acceptable and holy in the LORD’s will and ways…and to brag about HIS power and presence in our lives – not our own. It is time to settle the question, “Who do you think you are?”  And the only acceptable answer should be, “I am a redeemed child of God Almighty – and a humble disciple of His Son, Jesus Christ.” Anything else is nothing but worthless bragging.

©2021 Debbie Robus