Daily Devotionals

Bride and Gloom Week 1: Monday

Because of the privilege and authority God has given me, I give each of you this warning: Don't think you are better than you really are. Be honest in your evaluation of yourselves, measuring yourselves by the faith God has given us. Romans 12:3

When talking about dating and marriage to a group of high school students, pastor, and author Andy Stanley once said, "Are you the person you are looking for is looking for?" This is a great question. But unfortunately, when it comes to dating, marriage, or any relationship, we often focus on the traits and qualities of others instead of our own areas that need growth. Despite this tendency to focus on others and how they need to change, focusing on ourselves and who we want to become is essential. Even more, when we become the people we are looking for, the people we are looking for naturally gravitate toward us. 

Paul encourages believers to focus on their relationship with God and their own areas of growth and take responsibility for their roles in their relationships with others and other Christ followers in Romans 12. In this chapter, he tells readers to be transformed by Christ rather than become like the rest of the world (verse 2). Then, he writes, "Don't think you are better than you really are. Be honest in your evaluation of yourselves, measuring yourselves by the faith God has given us" (verse 3). As followers of Christ, we are responsible for the roles we play in the church and the world around us. Because of this, we must intentionally understand how God has gifted us to serve the church and the people in our lives. We also have to be honest about areas where we need to grow. As we work through these things, we will grow and become more like the people we want to become. Single people will also find themselves become more like the person they are looking for.

 What is holding you back from becoming the person you are looking for is looking for? Are you taking your roles in the church and your relationships seriously? Are you seeking to grow in your relationship with Christ so that you are equipped to have an impact? Friends, it is time that we take steps to grow in our faith and our relationship with God and, indeed, become the person we are looking for is looking for.

Moving toward action

Take an honest look at yourself right now. What are you proud of? Where is there room for improvement? After you determine where there is room to improve, write out three specific, measurable, and tangible steps to grow in each area that needs improvement. As you put these steps into action, remember to pray. Ask God to help you as you take these necessary steps to grow in that area.

Going Deeper

Romans 12:1-21 (NLT)

"And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice-the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him. 2 Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God's will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.

3 Because of the privilege and authority God has given me, I give each of you this warning: Don't think you are better than you really are. Be honest in your evaluation of yourselves, measuring yourselves by the faith God has given us. 4 Just as our bodies have many parts and each part has a special function, 5 so it is with Christ's body. We are many parts of one body, and we all belong to each other.

6 In his grace, God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well. So if God has given you the ability to prophesy, speak out with as much faith as God has given you. 7 If your gift is serving others, serve them well. If you are a teacher, teach well. 8 If your gift is to encourage others, be encouraging. If it is giving, give generously. If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously. And if you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly.

9 Don't just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good. 10 Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other. 11 Never be lazy, but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically. 12 Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying. 13 When God's people are in need, be ready to help them. Always be eager to practice hospitality.

14 Bless those who persecute you. Don't curse them; pray that God will bless them. 15 Be happy with those who are happy, and weep with those who weep. 16 Live in harmony with each other. Don't be too proud to enjoy the company of ordinary people. And don't think you know it all!

17 Never pay back evil with more evil. Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honorable. 18 Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone.

19 Dear friends, never take revenge. Leave that to the righteous anger of God. For the Scriptures say,

"I will take revenge;
I will pay them back,"
says the Lord.

20 Instead,

"If your enemies are hungry, feed them.
If they are thirsty, give them something to drink.
In doing this, you will heap
burning coals of shame on their heads."

21 Don't let evil conquer you, but conquer evil by doing good."