Thin Red Line

Daily Reading: 1 Corinthians 10

Scripture Focus: Do all to the glory of God. (1 Corinthians 10.31)

Devotional Thought: Recently, I saw an American flag with white and black stripes and a black field of white stars. Dissecting the center of the stripes was a thin red line. I was incensed! What have they done to "Old Glory?"

It wasn't until I got home that I looked up on the internet, "Black and white flag with a red line." My attitude immediately changed. I discovered that "Thin Red Line” is a thing. It is a symbol used by fire departments to show respect for firefighters injured or killed in the line of duty - whose sacrifice has glorified "Old Glory." How do they do that? They place their lives second to those they protect. The Thin Red Line depicts the last ounce of courage it takes to overcome fear in order to save lives. As I said, my attitude changed immediately.

The Apostle Paul challenged us to live with a "Thin Red Line" mentality: " So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God... just as I try to please everyone in everything I do, not seeking my own advantage, but that of many, that they may be saved" (1 Corinthians 10.31, 33). As Christians, we are to place our lives second to those who are lost. That takes courage and confidence. That takes sacrifice and strength.

Is your life a "Thin Red Line"?

Prayer: Father, help me to have the mind of Christ who did "nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility counted others more significant than [himself]." Amen.

Psalm of the Day: 115.1-8

1 Not to us, O Lord, not to us, but to your name give glory, for the sake of your steadfast love and your faithfulness!

2 Why should the nations say, “Where is their God?” 3 Our God is in the heavens; he does all that he pleases.

4 Their idols are silver and gold, the work of human hands. 5 They have mouths, but do not speak; eyes, but do not see. 6 They have ears, but do not hear; noses, but do not smell. 7 They have hands, but do not feel; feet, but do not walk; and they do not make a sound in their throat. 8 Those who make them become like them; so do all who trust in them.