Seventh-Day Adventist Devotional For Children: “Does Your Life Show That You Believe”
DAILY BREAD – DEVOTIONAL FOR CHILDREN
EASTERN NIGERIA UNION CONFERENCE CHILDREN’S MINISTRIES
Thursday, September 14, 2023
Topic: Does your life show what you believe?
Moreover, he must have a good testimony among those who are outside, lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.” (1 Timothy 3:7)
Every decision we make reveals every standard we set for our lives. Giving in to the pressures of purity, buying what we can’t pay for, talking about someone we think we are better than all reveal our character. How we act will be determined by whether we are allowing the values of the world or the Bible to set the standards of our lives.
When our standards are dictated by people rather than God, we are automatically limited. We have to be careful not to draw conclusions about our values from what others say about us. Being a Christian is about how we live out our faith, and oftentimes, the right stance isn’t going to be the most popular one.
In 1 Timothy 3:1-13, Paul gives us guidelines to live by because they are consistent with what God says is right and true. God is more concerned with who we are than with what we do. We are not given a list of duties to carry out, but qualities to live out.
Living a godly life starts at the heart. When we make God’s priorities our priorities, we’re less likely to allow work or volunteer activities to take us away from family responsibilities. When we see people the way Jesus saw people, we’re less likely to treat people we know well and treat people we don’t know poorly.
As a Christian, we represent Jesus at all times. Whatever we do, wherever we go, whatever we say, we make an impression of who Jesus is by what we say and how we act.
Thought for Reflection
Does your behavior help or hinder your cause for Christ?
Are you living by God’s guidelines or your own?
What one area in your life can you improve today?
Song
A mighty fortress is our God,
a bulwark never failing;
our helper he amid the flood
of mortal ills prevaling.
For still our ancient foe
doth seek to work us woe;
his craft and power are great,
and armed with cruel hate,
on earth is not his equal.
Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father, Thank you for your Word and the guidance it provides for our lives. Help us to continually align our standards with those set by you, rather than being swayed by worldly pressures. Give us the strength and wisdom to live out our faith boldly, even when it’s not the most popular stance. As we strive to represent Jesus in all that we do, help us to cultivate a godly heart and prioritize what is truly important in our lives. Give us the ability to see people the way Jesus saw them, and to treat everyone with love and respect. Please reveal to us any areas in our lives where we need to improve, and grant us the determination and perseverance to make positive changes. May our behavior always bring glory to your name and further your cause for Christ. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.
