Dr. Meredith Griffin | The Flourishing Life™

Deeper Roots. Remarkable Results.

Devotional

Check Yourself Before You Help Others

How can you think of saying to your friend, ‘Let me help you get rid of that speck in your eye,’ when you can’t see past the log in your own eye?

Matthew 7:4 NLT

Have you ever had the desire to tell someone about the ‘problem’ areas you think they need to deal with in their life, only to have them return the favor? If you have, then you know that it is the kind of experience that makes you think twice before you do such a thing again. That’s not necessarily a bad thing either, and here is why.

Jesus makes the above statement after telling his disciples that the judgement they use with others will be the judgment they are subject to themselves. We should take two things from that as we interact with others today.

First, the gospel of Christ is primarily meant to be a mirror through which we view and adjust our own lives. We should be concerned with whether we are living in a way making us worthy to be called Christ’s disciples, more than we are concerned to tell others what needs to be fixed in their lives. Our lives should be worth emulating to the point that others see how we are living and try to do the same.

Second, we should have empathy and grace when we are dealing with other people. Especially when we find ourselves in a position to help them in the areas where they are falling short. Why? Because God has shown grace and mercy toward us in our shortcomings, and we may desire someone else to treat us in a similar way. Today, if you encounter someone who has a ‘speck’ in their eye, use it as an opportunity to evaluate yourself before you offer your words of ‘help.’

Prayer: Lord, today help me treat others with the same grace that I have received from you, and want to receive from other people. Allow me to see myself as you see me, and be grateful for the love and grace you extend to me daily.

Worrying Doesn’t Add, It Only Subtracts

Can all your worries add a single moment to your life?

Matthew 6:27 NLT

Has worrying ever brought resolution to the matter you were concerned about? When we think of the myriad things we’ve worried about in our lives, our answer would have to be “no.” Yet, we can still find ourselves worrying incessantly over things.

Worry may seem like a benign activity, but worry actually produces results in our lives that are opposite those we desire. Constant worry can lead to anxiety and a host of related physical and life ailments. Fatigue, headaches, shortness of breath, irritability, issues on the job, and problems in relationships, can all be the result of the anxiety caused by excessive worrying.

Jesus tells us not to worry about anything. Don’t worry about what we will eat, drink, or wear. He assures us that God knows everything we need, and because he loves us he will care for us. Today, instead of worrying, let us trust God’s love for us. Instead of worrying, let us seek God above all else, knowing that he will care for our every need.

Prayer: Lord, today let me walk assured of your love and care for me. Give me the power to overcome the anxiety that comes with not knowing how you will do what you will do. Let me rejoice in your love for me and excitedly share that love with others. Amen.

Keep Doing Good Even When You’re Tired

So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up.

Galatians 6:9 NLT

Has it ever felt like continuing to do what you know is right gets harder as time passes? This can be especially true when there is no sign of success to be seen, or no end in sight.

There was a time in ministry when I wasn’t as sure about God’s call as I’d once been. I’d been preaching and leading on staff of a local church for a number of years. While I enjoyed what I was doing, and saw fruit from the work, it wasn’t what I believed God had ultimately called me to do in ministry. I became so discouraged that I honestly wanted to quit. But it wasn’t about me, it was about the good work I was doing according to God’s plan. I didn’t quit, and a few years later I saw the future God had shown me from the beginning.

Paul reminds the Galatians, and us, that what we sow in life becomes the seed of what we plant. For that reason, he encourages us to continue to do good, even when we are tired or discouraged. That’s a great encouragement for us to keep pressing today! Keep being light to those who are around you. Keep sharing the love of Christ in word and deed. When we do good, we can expect to reap good in return.

Prayer: Lord, please grant me the patience to continue doing good, even when I am getting tired. Also, remind me of the blessing I am to others and the blessing you are to me. Amen.

That Work May Be Yours

The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.

Matthew 9:37-38

For a number of years I lamented the state of our local school board. “Someone needs to run for a seat on the school board and help change it” was a statement I’d often make. Eventually God, through a series of people and events, made it clear that I was the “someone.” Until then I’d never considered that maybe I was the person called to engage In that way. Maybe you can relate.

Too often we look around at the work needing to be done in the world and ask who is there who will do it? This verse reminds us that every one of Christ’s disciples are the laborers for the kingdom harvest. The harvest Christ speaks of is a harvest of souls into God’s kingdom, but that work begins when we engage with those around us.

We must stop asking who will pray for, serve, comfort, or share the truth and love of Christ with others. Instead we should pray for the equipping and accompanying boldness from the Spirit of God to become who God has created and called us to be. The time of your revealing is now. The world awaits your arrival.

Prayer: Lord, today show me the places I am called to go and be part of your work in the world.