NIV Once-A-Day Bible for MenSample

WHAT IF? What would your life look like if you stopped worrying about what the other guy thought? What if you decided not to spend a night drinking with your college buddies? What if you told your boss that, no, you can’t work late tonight? What if you were open about your struggles instead of trying to put on a good face? What if you kept that old beater of a car and used your money to change an orphan’s life? What if you made the choice to spend an evening with your family rather than take on one more responsibility at church? What if you trusted God instead of fearing man? So many unnecessary troubles and missed opportunities can be traced to the fear of man. In contrast, a life of true peace and wonderful potential is always rooted in a firm trust in God. Jesus, of course, is the perfect example. He was completely indifferent to the opinions of others, yet captivated by the Father’s will. He said things to respected religious leaders that make us cringe, yet he stopped to talk to a discarded Samaritan woman. He refused to give a miraculous sign to those who demanded it, yet he cast out a legion of demons from a man who chased everyone else away. We need a rewiring, wouldn’t you agree? Let’s ask God to make us into men with backbones — ​men who have the courage to say no and the trust to stake our reputations on Christ and his way.  Lord, I stake my reputation on . . .