TODAY IN THE WORD

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Galatians 6:11-18
Neither circumcision nor uncircumcision means anything, what counts is a new creation. - Galatians 6:15
TODAY IN THE WORD
In 1945, Marshall Tito made himself leader of the new country Yugoslavia by patching together regions with different religions and ethnicities. For the next 45 years, communism suppressed the national identities of Croatia, Montenegro, Serbia, Slovenia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, and Macedonia. But after Tito’s death, the country could no longer hold together. Nationalist and ethnic tensions erupted; today the name Yugoslavia, if used at all, refers only to Serbia and Montenegro.

It is difficult to create and sustain a country. That makes the work of Jesus even more amazing, for He has forged a new people that will last for eternity.

Throughout this letter Paul has argued that wise living in light of the gospel means that Gentile Christians and Jewish Christians are equal before God, apart from their relationship to the Jewish Law. Jesus died and rose again to rescue all those who believe in Him from this evil age. By faith in Jesus, the universal problem of sin has been effectively dealt with and the promises given to Abraham have come to fruition. Therefore all those who possess the Spirit are Abraham’s children and are equal members of his family.

In verses 14 and 15 Paul nicely summarizes all of this in two points. First, he says that those who belong to Christ have been crucified with Christ and therefore have died to the world (v. 14, see also 2:20 and 5:25). Christians have, through Jesus’ death, died to the powers of this evil age. Neither the sinful nature nor the Jewish Law hold authority over the believer.

Second, he notes that just as Jesus was not left in the grave, neither have those of us who have believed in Jesus been simply left for dead in relation to the world. Through the Spirit, the power of Jesus’ resurrection revitalizes us. We die to the world in order that we might become a new creation (v. 15).
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
We have concluded our study of Galatians this month. If you have extra time today, review the book and make notes on what you have learned.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: James 3:13-18
Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good life. - James 3:13
TODAY IN THE WORD
Our materialistic culture is setting off alarms about our values even in the secular world. One recent book, Affluenza: The All-Consuming Epidemic, based on a pair of PBS documentaries,

describes the personal, social, economic, and environmental costs of out-of-control consumerism. The authors picture it as a disease, “a painful, contagious, socially-transmitted condition of overload, debt, anxiety and waste resulting from the dogged pursuit of more . . . the urge to splurge continues to surge.”

Leisure and entertainment choices are one major area in which the siren song of Ameri-can consumerism is an ongoing temptation for Christians. It’s all the more important, then, for us to understand how godly wisdom applies to godly leisure. Consistent discipleship includes our downtime, so there must be ways of pursuing it that bring God glory and make us more like Christ. Finding, considering, and applying these ways is the purpose of our month’s study. How can we enjoy leisure, pleasure, and beauty as we were made to do? How can we redeem these ideas and activities from the sinful forms they often take in a fallen world?

The scope of our topic includes any free time activity, including hobbies, sports, arts, and interactions with nature–anything we do for relaxation, entertainment, recreation, or social enjoyment. We’ll begin by examining the importance of rest, then move on to foundational concepts, including biblical perspectives on beauty, pleasure, and creativity. We’ll finish with a focus on practical principles and criteria for making decisions about leisure in our daily lives.

Today’s reading frames our study with a contrast: earthly wisdom results in evil actions, while godly wisdom is characterized by purity, peace, and other virtues. Leisure should be part of the “good life” that is wisdom in action (v. 13).

Our expectations for leisure may not usually extend beyond self-gratification. But as a dimension of our spiritual lives, leisure requires spiritual purpose and thought. “Oh no,” you’re thinking, “that sounds like work!” Let’s spend the month seeing what Scripture says on the subject.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Have you read any books on godly leisure? Heard any sermons? Discussed it in your small group? What Scripture passages or biblical doctrines seem relevant? Take some time to think through or write out your current understanding of this area of life.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Genesis 2:1-3; Exodus 20:8-11
God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it he rested from all the work of creating that he had done. - Genesis 2:3
TODAY IN THE WORD
Last year, a U.S. News & World Report cover story described how work has come to control American life. We work more hours per week than people in any other industrialized nation. Two-income families are “needed” to pursue the desired standard of suburban living. Cell phones, pagers, and e-mail have made escaping the office all but impossible. One third of us feel overwhelmed or even crushed by long hours and heavy workloads. Stress levels are high, especially in a shaky job market--people feel they have no choice but to give up their quality of life in exchange for continued employment.

In such a climate, the principle of Sabbath feels like a fresh breeze. When God finished His work of creation, He rested. What did this mean? That may be a theological puzzler, since we know God doesn’t become tired or fatigued. What we do know is why He rested--because He finished His work. It was done, and done perfectly. For this reason, He “blessed the seventh day and made it holy” (Gen. 2:3).

In the Mosaic Law, God commanded the Sabbath day to be kept as part of Israel’s cove-nant responsibilities. God made it holy--now the nation was to keep it holy. How? By imitating God and resting from work. Saturday was to be set apart from the ordinary business of life. In the cycle of consecration, if the people kept holy what God had made holy--that is, if they obeyed the Sabbath and other covenant obligations--then in turn God would make them holy. But He also promised severe punishment for individuals and the nation if they failed to honor the Sabbath (see Ex. 31:12–17; 2 Chron. 36:20–21).
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Examine yourself before the Lord today concerning your own patterns and habits in the area of work and rest. Ask the Holy Spirit to convict you about any changes you need to make in your attitudes or actions.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: 1 Kings 19:1-9
I will refresh the weary and satisfy the faint. - Jeremiah 31:25
TODAY IN THE WORD
Sleep in America is hard to come by. More than 82 million of us suffer from insomnia, and only about one third of us get the recommended eight hours of sleep on weeknights. BusinessWeek magazine estimates that sleep deprivation “costs $45 billion a year in lost productivity, health-care bills, and expenses related to traffic accidents.” Insomnia has also been linked to depression, alcoholism, and obesity.

The need for physical rest is a powerful one, affecting every area of our lives, including our spiritual life. We see this in the example of Elijah in today’s reading. He had just won a great victory for God on Mount Carmel, facing down hundreds of false prophets and helping turn the hearts of the Israelites back to the Lord. On top of that, his prayer to end the drought was answered in dramatic fashion, and he ran at miraculous speed back to the city ahead of King Ahab’s chariot. He looks like a giant of faith riding a spiritual high!

In the next chapter, however, we see a tired, stressed-out servant of the Lord on the verge of a breakdown. Queen Jezebel’s brazen threat pushed him over the edge--he broke and ran like a scared rabbit. In the desert, he complained to God before lying down under a tree and wishing to die.

What was the problem? Extreme fatigue and physical deprivation were a significant part of his depression. Interestingly, God chose to meet the physical need first, sending an angel with bread and water for the exhausted prophet. After the need for food and sleep had been dealt with, God moved on to address Elijah’s emotional and spiritual situation (for the rest of the story, read on in the chapter).
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
For today’s application, we suggest you take a nap--as simple as that. A midday siesta is a common feature in many cultures around the world, from Mexico to China. Why not give yourself permission to do the same? If your job makes an after-lunch nap impossible, how about before-dinner?

Whatever you do, don’t keep running until you’re as exhausted and depressed as Elijah. As we’ll see tomorrow, sleep and rest are gifts of God. We hope that you’ll find your nap refreshing to both body and soul!

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Psalm 116:5-9; Proverbs 3:21-26
Be at rest once more, O my soul, for the Lord has been good to you. - Psalm 116:7
TODAY IN THE WORD
Long gone are the days when people didn’t lock their doors at night. Now we not only lock them, we deadbolt them. Home security companies install cameras, motion detectors, and alarms programmed to your personal code or password. We buy dogs, join neighborhood watch programs, and install safes in our bedroom closets. We want safety and security--to go to sleep at night with peace of mind.

As today’s readings point out, though, a truly peaceful night’s sleep can come only through faith. Rest flows from trust in the Lord, and this rest includes physical rest.

As we see in today’s first reading, we can find rest in the character of God. He is gracious, righteous, and compassionate. He protects, saves, and delivers those who look to Him in “simplehearted” faith. What are the results of His actions in our lives? We can walk righteously, we can rejoice in Him, and our souls can rest in untroubled confidence in His love and power. We need not be afraid of anything or anybody, for our Father is watching out for us! Think of an impenetrable shield, a sheep lying down in green pastures, and the peace of Christ standing guard over our hearts (Ps. 3:3–5; 23:2; Phil. 4:7). No wonder David exclaimed, “My soul finds rest in God alone” (Ps. 62:1).

Furthermore, rest is one of the fruits or rewards of wisdom, as we see in our second reading. “Sound judgment and discernment” are the path of life, leading to righteousness, peace, and security, much as we saw in Psalm 116. And again we have the idea that God’s way is the way of rest, so much so that the wise person’s sleep will be “sweet”--refreshing, pleasurable, and even delicious (Prov. 3:24). This is one of the many blessings of wisdom, which is also said to watch over us when we’re sleeping (Prov. 6:22).
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Have you been guilty of modern gnosticism? Gnosticism is an ancient heresy that devalues material reality and tries to divide soul from body. The truth is that God created material reality and gave us bodies as a gift--in fact, we’ll have bodies for all eternity!

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Matthew 11:25-30
Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. - Matthew 11:28
TODAY IN THE WORD
Several verses of the classic hymn, “Trust and Obey,” highlight the pleasant restfulness of abiding in Christ: “Not a shadow can rise, not a cloud in the skies, but His smile quickly drives it away; Not a doubt nor a fear, not a sigh nor a tear can abide while we trust and obey. But we never can prove the delights of His love until all on the altar we lay; for the favor He shows and the joy He bestows are for them who will trust and obey. Then in fellowship sweet we will sit at His feet, or we’ll walk by His side in the way; what He says we will do, where He sends we will go; never fear, only trust and obey.”

Faith in Jesus brings the blessing of rest. Today’s reading shows us yesterday’s truth from a New Testament perspective. We may be more used to talking about running our race, taking up our cross, or similar images of effort and endurance, but we also need to remember the easy yoke and the light burden.

How can we obtain rest in Christ? We must come to Him in faith. We must submit to Him, implying both obedience and contentment. And we must learn from Him, imitating Him and following in His footsteps.

What is it about Jesus that gives rest? In His relationships with others, He was “gentle and humble in heart” (v. 29). In contrast to the ways that the Pharisees used their power and authority, Jesus came as a servant. For people who trust and obey Him, He’s an easy person to follow (cf. Mark 6:31; 1 John 5:3–4).
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
If you wish today, take some time to sit at Jesus’ feet in “listening prayer.” In the famous episode with Mary and Martha, Jesus’ followers learned that while busy hospitality is a good thing, quiet listening to Him is better (Luke 10:38–42). At that moment, Jesus expected nothing of Mary except that she sit at His feet and give heed to His words.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Matthew 12:1-14
The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath. - Mark 2:27
TODAY IN THE WORD
In Jesus’ day, the Pharisees and other religious leaders had turned the Sabbath into an enormous minefield of nitpicky regulations. One part of the Mishna lists thirty-nine main headings (plus subheadings) of forbidden actions--among the “main headings” are such actions as sewing two stitches and writing two letters! People were not allowed to carry anything heavier than a fig or harvest (much less rub together) two ears of wheat. Even using medicine the day before the Sabbath was forbidden, if it produced its effect on the Sabbath.

This doesn’t sound much like the blessing of rest we’ve been hearing about, which is why Jesus challenged the Pharisees in today’s reading. His disciples had picked grain from a field to eat on the Sabbath. Though the Law allowed for this, it violated the Pharisees’ regulations, and they made an accusation.

In response, Jesus gave two examples of when the letter of the Law had been set aside. When David fled from Saul, he and his soldiers ate the showbread, which technically could be eaten only by the priests (v. 4). And on the Sabbath itself, when no work was to be done, the priests themselves worked hard to offer the sacrifices and lead the worship (v. 5). What made these exceptions legitimate? It was the fact that God had given the Sabbath for people as a needed gift, not as a rule to be enforced in a burdensome way (v. 12; Mark 2:27).

Furthermore, Jesus claimed personal authority as Creator and Lord of the Sabbath (v. . He effectively authorized the disciples’ “transgression,” since they were busy following Him. By their accusation, the Pharisees had displayed their ignorance of and inattention to the deeper meanings of the Sabbath and the Law. To make sure they got the point, Jesus healed a crippled man right in front of them, although He knew that the rabbinical rules forbade medicine except in life-threatening circumstances.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
As we mentioned earlier, there seems to be a scarcity of teaching on godly leisure. Therefore, we’ll be recommending extra reading in “Today Along the Way” five times this month. Please don’t feel burdened by these suggestions--we simply want to point you to helpful resources.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Genesis 1:1-31
God saw all that he had made, and it was very good. - Genesis 1:31
TODAY IN THE WORD
In the early 1600s, pioneering astronomer Johannes Kepler published his three laws of planetary motion and a textbook supporting the Copernican model of the solar system. He was motivated by a fascination with God’s creation, writing, “I am devoting my effort . . . for the glory of God, who wants to be recognized from the Book of Nature.” He even saw the universe (as understood at that time) as a reflection of the Trinity, with the sun at the center representing God the Father, the outer stars representing Christ, and the space in between the Holy Spirit.

Wonder at God’s creation has energized many a believer! Today we start to explore biblical principles and truths related to godly leisure, and we begin at the beginning. In Genesis 1, God brought substance from nothingness, order from chaos, and fruitfulness from barrenness. One of the repeating narrative patterns is the declaration “good,” climaxing in the summary that it was all “very good” (v. 31). “Very good” is a complete assessment, including both practical and aesthetic dimensions of creation. The trees in Eden, for example, were both “pleasing to the eye and good for food” (Gen. 2:9).

That God created a world filled with beauty and pleasure teaches us that He values these things. Did we really need color? Was He obligated to make lilies, giraffes, blueberries, ladybugs, rainbow trout, or spruce trees? Not at all. He did it in His good pleasure, for our thankful enjoyment. Verses 28–30 are sometimes called the “creation mandate,” but “mandate” sounds too cold. “Creation gift” better captures how God intended us to flourish and to enjoy life in His world.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Why not respond today to God’s “very good” work of creation? Do something that shows thankfulness for the beautiful world He’s made.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Genesis 2:19-23
God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them. - Genesis 1:27
TODAY IN THE WORD
Modern American composer Charles Ives dreamed of creating a massive, open-air work of music that would reflect the grandeur of creation. He imagined two orchestras playing from neighboring mountaintops, with choirs singing counterpoint from the valley between. He said it would be an attempt “to paint the creation, the mysterious beginnings of all things, known through God to man,” and he sketched out pieces in which the sky would be represented by one group of instruments and the earth by another. The two groups would play simultaneously to illustrate the harmony of nature. Though Ives died with his Universe Symphony unfinished, he inspired another composer, Johnny Reinhard, to complete it, and it was finally performed in 1996, though in a concert hall.

Human creativity is often inspired by God’s creativity--creativity is part of His image in us. Creativity is the first of His qualities that we see in action, and it certainly dominates the context of today’s verse. Creativity is also at the core of the first specific task or responsibility God gave to Adam: naming the animals. God brought the animals to him “to see what he would name them” (v. 19). It’s instructive that Adam’s first act of stewardship over creation was imaginative--how much fun he must have had pondering the snail, the ostrich, and the hippopotamus!

Another purpose was to look for a suitable partner for Adam, but none could be found in the animal kingdom. So God made Eve from one of the man’s ribs, and Adam had one more name to give. For the first time we hear what it is--“woman”--and learn the reason--because “she was taken out of man” (v. 23). As Adam obediently exercised his linguistic creativity to name the animals and Eve, He reflected the glory of his Creator. After all, God had done a lot of naming or “calling” of things during His work of creation.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
If you’d like to find out more about the “image of God,” we recommend a short article entitled, “Good Question: Reflected Glory,” by theologian J. I. Packer, from Christianity Today, December 2003. It is available online at this link: http://www.christianitytoday. com/ct/2003/012/20.56.html. Packer considers the evidence from Genesis, including Creation and the Fall, and then moves to the New Testament to ask how Christ’s redemption has changed our present and future in this regard.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Exodus 32:1-35
You shall not make for yourself an idol. - Exodus 20:4
TODAY IN THE WORD
The pornography business brings in $10 billion a year, with about 11,000 “adult movies” produced every year in America. These are marketed over the Internet, to cable TV companies, and through video distributors, who claim that 30 percent of all video rentals on the east and west coasts are sex films. What’s more, such well-known companies as General Motors, AOL Time Warner, and Marriott are helping themselves to a share of the profits. They do so quietly, omitting or obscuring the information in company reports; and while they may not actually produce pornographic movies, they pipe them into homes and hotel rooms nationwide.

Assuredly, human creativity and our pursuit of pleasure are corrupted by sin! Today’s narrative is a warning and instructive example of how creativity can be twisted to serve the opposite of the purposes for which God gave it. While Moses was on Mount Sinai receiving the Law, the impatient, faithless Israelites bullied Aaron into using his skills to fashion a golden calf idol, which seems to have been a representation of the Egyptian god Apis. Despite his pathetic excuse of “out came this calf!” (v. 24), and despite his lame attempt to proclaim the day a “festival to the Lord” (v. 5), Aaron clearly used his creativity to support idolatry.

The nation’s disobedience spun out of control, to the point where Joshua thought a battle was raging and Moses saw a “laughingstock” being made of their covenant witness (vv. 17, 25). The pagan revelry no doubt included sensual dancing, carousing, sexual immorality, and other forms of self-indulgence. The people apparently wanted a god more familiar than the one seen in the pillar of cloud and fire. More to the point, they wanted one who was more permissive, whereas God had already made His standards of purity and holiness quite clear. It took special intercession by Moses, the destruction of the idol, the righteous swords of the Levites, and a plague from God to set things right.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Today we offer our third reading suggestion of the month, a book entitled The Gift of Art, by Gene Edward Veith (InterVarsity Press). In a way that is aware of both artistic history and the highs and lows of art in today’s culture, Veith surveys the place of the arts in Scripture. His book presents a solidly biblical perspective and is rich in potential applications for your own interaction with artistic creativity. This is a wonderful resource to introduce and inform your thoughts on how God’s truth can be expressed in art.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Exodus 31:1-11
I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with skill, ability and knowledge in all kinds of crafts. - Exodus 31:2–3
TODAY IN THE WORD
Earlier this year, the Gallery of the American Bible Society (ABS) mounted an exhibition entitled, “Threads of Faith: Recent Work From the Women of Color Quilters Network.” Fifty-three quilts with religious themes were on display, covering everything from biblical narratives to African-American history. The introduction said they “record personal histories, make political statements, celebrate family values, and reflect the role of faith and Christian tradition in shared history.”

For example, one quilt by Cynthia Lockhart, Make a Joyful Noise Unto the Lord, is filled with colorful curving stripes and beads. She said, “This quilt is about the joy I feel when I sing the praises unto the Lord. Music is depicted as colorful and full of rhythms with a multiplicity of vibrations. When I sing and shout the praises I have a spiritual connection with the Lord.”

Her quilt and the others at the ABS exhibition show the power of God-honoring creativity. In contrast to the creative sinfulness seen in yesterday’s devotion, they enlist art in the service of worship. That’s also what God did in His instructions for the tabernacle--He wanted the nation’s worship center to be a beautiful, well-made place. To make it happen, He chose two craftsmen, Bezalel and Oholiab, and gifted them with a range of artistic abilities necessary to accomplish and supervise the construction of the tabernacle. Bezalel was actually said to be “filled with the Spirit of God” for this job (v. 3)!

How can we distinguish between righteous and unrighteous uses of creativity? We can compare this passage with the golden calf episode. Who is being honored--God or something else? What is the result--order or disorder, beauty or chaos, sin or holiness? Was there intentionality behind it, a submissive, worshipful attitude and thankfulness for the artistic abilities in use? Or is it reminiscent of Aaron’s excuses?
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Here’s an idea: organize a “church arts night” when believers can edify one another with their God-given creative talents. One person might read a poem, another sing a song or play an instrument, and another show paintings, photographs, or a video. A group might perform a “worship dance” or a short drama. Or perhaps people can work together to create a mural on an available wall or rehearse a choral Scripture reading for next Sunday’s service. The aim is to please and glorify God!

[Soldier4Christ]

Read:  2 Samuel 12:1-14
I will open my mouth in parables, I will utter hidden things. - Psalm 78:2
TODAY IN THE WORD
The Dutch painter Rembrandt achieved fame for painting biblical narratives such as the blinding of Samson, Jacob blessing Joseph’s sons, and Paul in prison, expertly capturing dramatic moments and characters’ inner feelings. One museum official said, “Rembrandt has been admired from his day to ours for making Scripture come to life. He portrayed not just a scene, but also the human drama of what occurred in the text. He made that drama convincing and supremely moving in human terms.”

Rembrandt accomplished this not only for viewers, but also for himself. In a painting of the Crucifixion, for example, he painted himself into the scene as a bystander. In another masterpiece, The Return of the Prodigal Son, he painted his own features into the character of the Prodigal.

Godly creativity can reveal truth. This doesn’t mean, though, that Christian artworks need to “preach,” as we see in today’s reading. Through his story, Nathan led David down a road of moral discernment and discovery so that the king judged himself.

At least nine months had passed since David’s adultery with Bathsheba and murder of her husband, yet the king’s heart remained hard. Nathan’s parable revealed David’s sins of mercilessness, adultery, murder, abuse of power, despising the Lord, and dishonoring His name (vv. 10, 14). The story led him step-by-step, first to judge the main character, then to personal confession and repentance (v. 13; cf. Ps. 51).

Because creativity reveals truth indirectly, it can conceal truth from people without spiritual vision (see Matt. 13:13–14). But other biblical examples reinforce the fact that creative treatments can make spiritual truths more vivid and memorable for those willing to see. Thirsting for God, for example, is made more powerfully concrete in the picture of a deer panting for water (Ps. 42:1). And Paul’s extended metaphor of the armor of God helps us imagine more clearly the idea of spiritual warfare (Eph. 6:10–18). When our imaginations are engaged, we more easily and effectively understand, remember, and apply God’s truth.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Why not enjoy the gift of art today? Whether through looking, listening, or reading, you can train your imagination to see truth. You could choose from the following ideas: (1) Read a novel or other work of literature, perhaps from a list of “great books” at the library. (2) Listen to some classical music, for example, by Bach or Beethoven. And really listen–don’t just use it as background music. (3) Visit a museum and view the paintings, sculptures, and other works of art. Tastes differ, so seek out what you enjoy.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Ecclesiastes 2:1-11
Everything was meaningless, a chasing after the wind; nothing was gained under the sun. - Ecclesiastes 2:11
TODAY IN THE WORD
Epicurus was a Greek philosopher born in 341 b.c. Pleasure was the key word in his thinking. He defined philosophy as “the art of making life happy” and said the purpose of life was personal happiness. He did advocate the pursuit of virtue and reasoned that right behavior brought people the highest pleasures.

Despite the noble goal of virtue, “epicureanism” now means “a refined and calculating selfishness, seeking not power or fame, but the pleasures of sense, particularly of the palate, and those in company rather than solitude.”

The author of Ecclesiastes could have taught Epicurus a thing or two about pleasure (see the May 2004 issue of Today in the Word for a detailed study of Ecclesiastes). We’ve been examining biblical principles concerning beauty and creativity, but in the area of leisure we need to scrutinize pleasure as well. We’ve already learned that God is the creator of all true pleasure and that pleasure is His gift--now we must ask how sin affects this truth.

Ecclesiastes tells the story of the search for meaning and purpose in life. In today’s reading, we read an account of experimentation: “I refused my heart no pleasure” (v. 10). There’s a description of various forms--partying with his friends, delightful projects such as parks and orchards, and accumulating possessions. The latter included pleasures such as music and sex. In short, he enjoyed all “the delights of the heart of man” (v. --the pleasures of sex, wealth, nature, and achievement.

But it wasn’t enough. Inspected under the light of wisdom, these pursuits proved “meaningless, a chasing after the wind; nothing was gained” (vv. 3, 11). As ends in themselves--as experiences sought for self-centered reasons--these pleasures failed to satisfy. They were inadequate to meet life’s deepest needs.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Is your neighbor or co-worker an “epicurean”? Do they seem to be consumed with the pursuit of pleasure in a world that doesn’t include God? American culture being what it is, probably each one of us knows at least one person like this.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Ephesians 2:1-3; 1 Peter 4:1-6
For you have spent enough time in the past doing what pagans choose to do. - 1 Peter 4:3
TODAY IN THE WORD
How materialistic are we? At the start of last year’s Christmas shopping season, a woman was trampled by a crowd intent on grabbing DVD players on sale at a Florida Wal-Mart. She was the first person in line, but when the store opened the other shoppers rushed forward and knocked her to the ground. When paramedics arrived, they found her unconscious. Only a few people had tried to help her--most continued their “urgent business” of buying a DVD player.

Talk about consumerism gone crazy! Greed and selfishness too often characterize the pursuit of pleasure in our culture. According to today’s readings, this is the way we used to live before coming to Christ; our present lifestyle and activities, including leisure, should be much different.

What were we like before Christ? Disobedient, dead in our sins, followers of the world and Satan. Our only goal was “gratifying the cravings of the sinful nature” (Eph. 2:3). We lived for our own desires, not God’s will, and so were objects of His righteous wrath. Too much time was wasted on such things--now it’s time to be “done with sin.” We should act like people who know better and will one day give an account to God (1 Peter 4:1, 5).

Without God, all human desires become self-centered and sinful. By being alienated from God, we were alienated from understanding and pursuing true pleasures. For example, lust and debauchery are corruptions and mockeries of God’s gift of sexual pleasure. To “live according to God” is not a dry or sour affair, but a calling back to the responsibilities and pleasures of being and doing what God has created us to be and do (1 Peter 4:6).
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Are you still living in the old ways described by Paul and Peter? If so, then you haven’t yet accepted the gift of new life in Christ. Make this day the best day of your life by accepting Jesus as your personal Savior and making Him the Lord of your life. He died and rose again to take away your sin! By choosing Him, you’re choosing life over death, freedom over slavery, truth over falsehood, and true pleasures over counterfeits.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Romans 12:1-2; 1 John 2:15-17
Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. - Romans 12:2
TODAY IN THE WORD
When Nigerian believer Femi Adeyemi was a student in America, he was once asked, “In what ways do you see Americans compromising the gospel? If you could use one word for your answer, what would it be?” Femi replied, “Worldliness. American Christians look no different from the world. When I look at the church, I see little difference between non-Christians and Christians. We talk and dress the same, tell the same jokes, watch the same talk shows, and the list of similarities goes on and on. . . . Americans sacrifice their families to achieve material comfort. Many seem unready for the cost of discipleship if it will bring pain.”

Worldliness, especially in our leisure choices, has invaded the church. Along these lines, Romans 12:1–2 urges us to draw a strong contrast. Unbelievers conform to the pattern of the world, which is evil and corrupt. “The whole world is a prisoner of sin” (Gal. 3:22). “Conform” means to be molded or shaped according to the world’s corrupt and godless standards.

As believers, on the other hand, we are to offer ourselves as “living sacrifices” to God, a picture of worship and self-denial. We don’t accomplish this by our own knowledge or willpower, but rather our minds are transformed and renewed by the Holy Spirit. As a result, we know God’s will, act in holy ways, and please Him in leisure and every other area of life.

The 1 John passage similarly portrays love of the world and love of the Father as polar opposites (cf. James 4:4). The former can only last temporarily the latter lasts for eternity. “The world” consists of “the cravings of sinful man, the lust of his eyes and the boasting of what he has and does” (1 John 2:16). The world is characterized by pride, covetousness, greed, vanity, and selfishness.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Would an outside observer see any differences between the way you practice leisure and the way unbelievers do? Reflect on this question today, meditating on how to be salt and light in this area and asking the Holy Spirit to bring important issues to your mind.