Wednesday, March 1st
Devotional written by Pastor Brian Field, Mission Pastor
REJECT THE WEAPONS OF THE WORLD
To read today: Romans 12:9-21
For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.
2 Corinthians 10:3-5
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February 24th marked the first anniversary of Russia’s unjust war on Ukraine. Thousands of lives have been lost, and millions more displaced as the weapons of war bombarded vulnerable cities and villages.
Weapons of destruction come in all shapes and sizes. The polarization of our country over the last decade through the social and political landscape has produced weapons of slander, shame, gossip, and shouting. Tribes have formed, and those who don’t play by the rules or speak out of line with their tribe get “canceled.” The loudest voices seem to win out, and many others choose to say nothing out of fear of reprisal. We are experiencing an incredible lack of empathy and grace.
Much of the shouting, shaming, slandering, gossiping, and canceling has been led by those who claim to follow Jesus. As Christians, we must show up as truth-bearers called to use different weapons to fight the battles. What are our weapons? There are many; love sincerely, hate what is evil but cling to what is good, live in harmony with others, bless those who curse you and do nice things for them, don’t take revenge…leave that to God, and pray in all circumstances.
Reflection: Artillery check! What weapons do you have at your disposal? Are they weapons of war or peace? What arms do you need to lay down that have not promoted peace? Go to God with these and take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.
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