Word for the day by Christian Education Forum
Overcoming Temptations
Proverbs 20:1-15Gold there is, and rubies in abundance, but lips that speak knowledge are a rare jewel. (v.15)
For today’s devotion, I would like to talk about overcoming addiction. In this day and age, there are many tempting things, substances, or activities that cause addiction. The main verse from the above passage I would like to focus on is verse 15 which says, “Gold there is, and rubies in abundance, but lips that speak knowledge are a rare jewel.” An example that is seen the most among today’s generation is social media addiction. There are many detrimental things that can result from this such as mental illness, health problems, and other illnesses such as attention deficits and more. Through social media, people become fixated on material and worldly things and it steers us away and distracts us from our duty as Christians. There is this pressure to be “perfect” and a mask that many people put on behind screens which in turn takes away the joy of human to human interaction. Romans 12:1-2 says, “Therefore, I urge you, brothers in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God- this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is- his good, pleasing and perfect will.” Social media is something that forces us to conform to the pattern of the world. It is withholding us from renewing our minds and seeing what the world really has to offer. Many young people begin to compare themselves to others they see on social media and develop various insecurities. But they forget that we have been created in God’s image and that we are perfect in his eyes, which is the only thing that matters. People only post the good things that happen to them which tricks us and makes us think that there is something wrong with us whenever we are faced with hardships and bad things. Instead of praying over it and asking for guidance, we often go onto social media and look at other people’s “perfect” lives which results in us feeling even worse. The main point I wanted to convey through this devotion is that there is more to life than just what social media sells to us. The “likes” and “follows” don’t determine what kind of person you are and how you are supposed to live your life. Instead, we should live our lives in a way that is pleasing to God without the pressure to please others. Of course social media isn’t all bad, especially since we are living in a time where it is hard to meet people in person. But a limit and moderation is needed especially when something like this is affecting our health in a bad way. In Proverbs 20 verse 15, the “golds” and “rubies”, which can symbolize social media and other material things, can be seen everywhere and are fairly common. But those who are able to speak knowledge and live a true life are like a “rare jewel.” Being Christians, our goal should be to live like a “rare jewel” instead of conforming to the material world.
Dear Lord I pray that we are able to live like rare jewels in this world and not forget our duty as Christians. In a world where there is so much division and hatred, I pray that we can be united and stand together against adversity. I pray for all those who are struggling either mentally or physically. I pray for the world that we live in and for all those in need of hope. In Jesus' name we pray, Amen.
Sarah Varghese
St. James Mar Thoma Church, NY