Devotion

In Pastor Ruff’s message about being fit for the body, or church, of Christ, he spoke about being connected and serving others. All of us have a purpose and are necessary in the church. None of us is unimportant. Each one of us has a part to play. Like the pieces of a jigsaw puzzle, we are incomplete when one or more people are missing. God has set each one of us in a church body. He even sets the solitary person in a family. We cannot live for Him on our own.

We need to find a fellowship of believers who are devoted to Him as we are. When we are connected to others, we find a sense of belonging. We find a safe place where we can be ourselves. God created you differently from anyone else, so stop trying to be like someone else or comparing yourself to another. You are unique and one of a kind. Embrace who you are in Him.

Belonging keeps us burning with passion and love for Him and others. If we are not in a church, our love will grow cold. We lose our desire for Him and become carnal. You will not be able to become who He wants you to be or be able to love and serve others. When the church is together, it is powerful, especially if it comes together in unity with one purpose in mind: to spread the message and serve others.

Outside of the body, we are ineffective and soon grow cold, like a coal taken out of the fireplace. Together, we can serve each other by protecting one another. We can stand alongside each other and pray for one another. We can hold each other accountable, restore those who have fallen, and make them stronger. It is only when we are all in a body of believers that God’s power comes through and He is glorified. And when, out of love, we put someone else’s needs above our own, we fulfill His calling. Be intentional and decide today that you will be a member of the assembly and get connected with others.

Dear Heavenly Father, I confess I don’t think I am using my freedom to indulge the flesh or to be selfish. Oh Lord, show me if somehow I am using my freedom wrongly in Jesus and not serving others humbly in love. How can I improve? It seems so prideful to think I am already in a good place regarding this instruction. If I am mistaken, I would much rather receive a gentle correction now from Your Word, Your Holy Spirit, or brothers and sisters around me than a firmer hand of discipline if I continue to disobey this instruction. In the Name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.

The caution in today’s verse reminds us not to use the freedom that Jesus bought with His precious blood as an “opportunity for the flesh.” It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Let us not become prisoners again due to sin (Galatians 5:1). So, as we work together, let us not give in to fleshly judgments, gossip, or backbiting against one another. Similarly, godly love for one another does not cover up sinful behavior; it does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth (1 Corinthians 13:6). Maintaining godly connections and accountability is an important part of being fit for service.

• Family Altar: Establish regular family devotion time to choose Christ daily. Use devotions on this app as a way to foster communication with your family.

• Prayer Request: Submit requests for prayer warriors to stand with you. freechapel.org/prayer