FCA: Strong DevotionalSample

You Can’t Hide Doing Nothing

Rebekah Trittipoe

Ready:

“So be careful how you live. Don’t live like fools, but like those who are wise.” Ephesians 5:15a

Set:

The bell rang signaling the end of the school day. It was May, and there were but two weeks remaining in the academic year. Excitement was high as the room filled with students. Coach had called a meeting of all prospective cross country runners for the coming fall season. As she handed out her list of expectations and summer training program, she wondered who would—and who would not—follow the plan.

Coach only had to wait until the first day of pre-season to find out. Some of the students came prepared, ready to train in earnest. Others struggled to run the easy warm-up. There was no denying it. The students who took their place on the team seriously cared enough to follow the plan and do the work. Conversely, those who did not were unable to perform. For them, the struggle would be more difficult than it should have been.

The Christian life is all about being intentional. The writer of Ephesians instructs the believer to do certain things and abstain from others. This is not a list based on abstract legalism, it stems from an intentional way of living because of our love for Christ and fellow believers. “Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do…live a life filled with love…let there be no sexual immorality, impurity, or greed…carefully determine what pleases the Lord…take no part in worthless deeds…so be careful how you live…” Ephesians 5.

When we hit the playing field, observers will know if we have trained intentionally. Likewise, when we live life, observers will know if we care enough to be intentional in how we think and act.

Go:

Does our love level for God affect the way we think and act? What are some areas for improved intentional living?

Overtime:

Father, give me insight into Your character so I will desire to please You more in the way I live.