November 25, 2010

Nov. 25: Living like an open book

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By Stephanie Wyse, a senior elementary education major from Mount Pleasant, Iowa
SCRIPTURE: Romans 13:11-14 (NRSV)
Scroll down for complete Scripture.

DEVOTIONAL:
If you were told that someone was going to publish a book about your life, beginning from this moment on, is there anything you would change? At some point in the last few years I decided that I would live my life “like an open book.” I became convinced that if I was living for Christ, I should have nothing to hide.

I quickly realized that this would be a challenging motto to live by. If my life is an open book, I cannot keep secrets. Anything I do, I should feel comfortable doing in the presence of my grandparents or pastor. I believe it is this kind of self-awareness Paul is calling us to when he tells us to “wake up” in Romans 13:11-14.

He says that we must “put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the deeds of light” because “night is nearly over.” We have been called to a much higher purpose than pleasing our flesh; we are to love like Christ loved. If this is our focus, there is no shame. Our pages should be open for the world to see.

The convincing element of our story is not that we are able to accomplish perfection on our own, but that Christ’s love gives us power to overcome whatever the world throws our way. We need to wake up! “Clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ” so that your life may be a living testimony to all who read your story!

SCRIPTURE: Romans 13:11-14 (NRSV)

Besides this, you know what time it is, how it is now the moment for you to wake from sleep. For salvation is nearer to us now than when we became believers; the night is far gone, the day is near. Let us then lay aside the works of darkness and put on the armor of light; let us live honorably as in the day, not in reveling and drunkenness, not in debauchery and licentiousness, not in quarreling and jealousy. Instead, put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires.

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Comments (4)

  1. Amen! From the time we left Hesston to now, you have made a very important step in your life. Very well said, my friend. You have talked to my life through your message. Thank you very much. May God guide and bless you abundantly.

    Bernard Sejour November 25, 2010 |

  2. This was a good Advent devotion. Please pass on my appreciation to Stephanie Wyse

    Marlin Jeschke November 25, 2010 |

  3. Stephanie, Thank you. I wish I’d been as wise as you when I was younger. I like the idea of starting from NOW as an Open Book & re-writing my story from this moment on. I hope you’re having a Happy Thanksgiving and “growth-ful” school year.
    Peace Be With You, Kathy A.

    Kathy November 25, 2010 |

  4. You are right this is how we should live our lives with Gods help i will come closer thank You

    Bob November 25, 2010 |