Daily Reading: Mark 6
Scripture Focus: The king was exceedingly sorry, but because of his oaths and his guests he did not want to break his word to her. (Mark 6.26)
Devotional Thought: Herod was trapped! His pride kept him from backing down, and an innocent and righteous man was executed. As much as he may have regretted it, the king didn't stop it.
How many sins are committed because of rash words and peer pressure? How many reputations are destroyed because we seek to save face? How many arguments escalate into full-out wars because pride and hard-heartedness fuel words of increasing anger and hatred?
The Apostle James said it correctly: “So also the tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great things. How great a forest is set ablaze by such a small fire!” (James 3.5) The Psalmist warns us with his words: “I will guard my ways, that I may not sin with my tongue; I will guard my mouth with a muzzle, so long as the wicked are in my presence.” (Psalm 39.1)
The problem of the tongue is exacerbated when we are in the presence of the wicked. We tend to say things that we would not say if we were in the company of the righteous. That’s why we need to be careful about the relationships we form: “Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? Or what fellowship has light with darkness?” (2 Corinthians 6.14) It is not that we are not with unbelievers – for Jesus went to the home of sinners – but it’s that we must not allow their values to shape ours, their words to influence ours, their priorities to cause us to say things we will regret. In other words, in our relationships with unbelievers, Jesus must set the agenda!
Where are your pride and peers taking you?
Prayer: May I be mindful, O Lord, of the rash words I say in the presence of others. And, may my pride be crucified that I might not hurt others by my words and actions. Amen.
Psalm of the Day: Psalm 18.35-45
35 You have given me the shield of your salvation, and your right hand supported me, and your gentleness made me great.
36 You gave a wide place for my steps under me, and my feet did not slip.
37 I pursued my enemies and overtook them, and did not turn back till they were consumed.
38 I thrust them through, so that they were not able to rise; they fell under my feet.
39 For you equipped me with strength for the battle; you made those who rise against me sink under me.
40 You made my enemies turn their backs to me, and those who hated me I destroyed.
41 They cried for help, but there was none to save; they cried to the LORD, but he did not answer them.
42 I beat them fine as dust before the wind; I cast them out like the mire of the streets.
43 You delivered me from strife with the people; you made me the head of the nations; people whom I had not known served me.
44 As soon as they heard of me they obeyed me; foreigners came cringing to me.
45 Foreigners lost heart and came trembling out of their fortresses.
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