Together in Christ: 'Swimming Against the Flow' — Psalm 14:1-2

Monday, April 1, 2024

Only fools say in their hearts, "There is no God." They are corrupt, and their actions are evil; none of them does good! The Lord looks down from heaven on the entire human race; he looks to see if anyone is truly wise, if anyone seeks God.

— Psalm 14:1-2 NLT

Key Thought

As followers of Jesus, our hearts yearn for the people around us to know Jesus, live by His values, and share our future. The reality is, however, that many around us don't. They don't know Jesus, they don't live by His values, and they don't share our future in Christ. [1] Many of those around us won't live by God's priorities and don't appreciate our values. Many will criticize the truths and values we hold dear. Some may directly oppose our faith. [2]

Today's words from Scripture remind us that God knows what is happening around us. He sees the corruption and evil actions that dominate our news headlines and infect our world. He wants us to know that the world has chosen to live the fool's life by dismissing His existence philosophically, intellectually, or practically — and maybe all three. Their rejection of God is because the evil one has deceived most people and holds them hostage by blinding them to the truth. [3]

So, what do we do? We chose to live for Jesus regardless of the values of those around us. [4] We are prepared to share the reason for hope in Jesus, not combatively but with gentleness and respect because we want to win their hearts, not win arguments. [5] But, we are aware that, because of our faith and our commitment, we are swimming against the stream of our culture, so we must continuously re-calibrate our hearts by seeking God and His wisdom. [6] Knowing the goodness of God's gift to us in Jesus, we don't want to play the fool and ignore His teachings. [7] So, as long as it is today, let's seek God and encourage each other toward our upward calling in Christ Jesus! [8]

[1] 2 Peter 1:4; 1 John 2:15-17; Matthew 7:13-14.
[2] 1 Peter 4:1-4.
[3] 2 Corinthians 4:4.
[4] Matthew 5:13-16.
[5] 1 Peter 3:13-17.
[6] Romans 12:1-2.
[7] Matthew 7:24-27; Hebrews 6:4-8.
[8] Philippians 3:12-14.

Today's Prayer

O dear Father, some days make it hard to keep my mind and heart on track, on You. The constant barrage of worldliness wears away at my strength. O powerful Spirit of the Living God, freshen my strength and awaken my heart to seek after Jesus and His righteous character, gracious compassion, and faithful justice as I live my daily life. Lord, You are my foundation for life and values. You are the goal of my life. So, I open my heart to the encouragement from brothers and sisters in Christ as I pledge to encourage them. Help us, Lord, as we seek to be salt and light in this world of decay and darkness. [A] Through the intercession of Jesus, I pray. Amen.

[A] Matthew 5:13-16.

Related Scripture Readings

  • Ephesians 4:1-32, 5:1-2
  • Matthew 7:7-27

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Illustration

Illustration of Psalm 14:1-2 NLT — Only fools say in their hearts, "There is no God." They are corrupt, and their actions are evil; none of them does good! The Lord looks down from heaven on the entire human race; he looks to see if anyone is truly wise, if anyone seeks God.

About This Devotional

Together in Christ is a daily devotional that focuses on what Scripture teaches about godly living in relationships.

'Together in Christ' is written by Phil Ware.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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