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Good Shepherd Lutheran Church Today's Frontline Devotion March 11, 2006 Fitting In or Finding Our True Selves |
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Frontline Devotion for Saturday, March 11, 2006 by Brenda Kessler
Mark 8:34-38
Fitting in seems to be important almost from the moment we are born. Nurseries are carefully stocked with “in” items – baby monitors, designer baby clothes, mobiles that stimulate baby’s curiosity, sound systems that sooth baby’s cries, disposable diapers. (Whatever happened to those ecologically sound cloth diapers that later became dust cloths when they were no longer needed?) Parents want their babies to fit in.
As the child grows, his/her toys look like all the other kids’ toys in the neighborhood. Baby Einstein books and videos occupy the shelves; Fischer Price toys are scattered throughout the house; Big Wheels and other sound-producing kids’ vehicles are in the driveway, in the carport, or in the garage. Grandpa’s tricycle just wouldn’t fit in. In those teen years, clothes, shoes, and hairstyles seem to receive a lot of attention. The least expensive pair of tennis shoes is not an option when looking for athletic shoes. Kids want to fit in.
Fitting in seems to creep into adulthood as well. Living in the right house, driving the right car(s), wearing the right clothes, having the right hair color, belonging to the right clubs, owning the right golf clubs, taking the right vacations, even reading the right books seem to be so very important. Adults like to fit in.
In today’s scripture lesson we are challenged to rise above fitting in. We are challenged to find our true selves and to follow Jesus, really FOLLOW Jesus. Jesus cautions us not to lose our souls. “What does a man gain by winning the whole world at the cost of his true self?” (The New English Bible) We are challenged to live our lives for the sake of the Gospel; we are challenged to lives our lives for Jesus Christ.
During this season of Lent, let us do a self-check. Is Jesus at the top of our priority lists? Have we found our true selves or is it more important to fit in?
Prayer: Thank you, Lord Jesus, for challenging us to do more than fit in. Help us to find our true selves. Help us to put you above all things. Help us to live lives that reflect how important you are in our lives. In your name we pray. Amen.
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All are welcome to join and share in our Devotional Ministry on the "Frontlines" of the world. Frontline Devotions are sent via email daily. Sign up by clicking on the box to the left. Pastor Dave welcomes feedback. Contact him at pastordave@goodshepherdonline.org. |
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