Based on “Eagerly Waiting” by Pastor Mark Balmer; 10/22-23/11,
Message #6080; Daily Devotional #4 - “Citizen, Change!”
Preparing the Soil (Introduction): We didn’t plan to move to Florida eleven years ago when I took a four month traveling nurse assignment in Vero Beach. Both my husband and I had entertained the idea of moving for years. We talked about it, even looked forward to it, but deep down I don’t think either of us believed it would ever really happen. As it turned out, I never went back to New Hampshire from my four month assignment. Instead, my husband joined me, and we moved to Palm Bay, where we have lived since. Adjusting to the weather was easy, as we had both grown weary of the cold New England winters that seemed to never end. What we didn’t anticipate was that people related to one another differently than we were used to. “Southern Hospitality” was markedly different than the blunt, direct manner people used to relate to one another in our home town. We quickly learned that our mannerisms and language were perceived as offensive to some of the people we encountered. Looking back, I believe we were often perceived as both obnoxious and prideful. What was worse was that, as much as we loved Florida, neither of us wanted to give up the behaviors and attitudes that we felt defined us. Over the years we have had to adjust in order to enjoy fulfilling relationships with others. While we held onto many of the values we held dear, we let go of some of the behaviors that kept us from enjoying a full and enjoyable life in our new home.
Planting and Watering the Seed (Growth): But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body. (Philippians 3:20-21) Paul lived his life being all things to all people (1 Corinthians 9:19-23). In bringing the Gospel to the lost, however, no matter where he went his behaviors and attitudes reflected that He was a follower of Jesus. As Christ followers it is important that we check our behavior and attitude to ensure that they reflect our citizenship in heaven. We cannot change ourselves, but the Holy Spirit that lives within us equips us with everything we need to change. An attitude of pride and sinful behavior prevents change, while willing submission to God’s will makes transformation effortless. As a result, as we mature in our walk with the Lord, our demeanor will increasingly reflect our residency in Heaven.
Harvesting the Crop (Action/Response): Florida is culturally transient and diverse. There are countless customs and traditions that we are privileged to experience because we live here. Christ follower, as we enjoy the abundance of blessings that God has given us, we must also be mindful that by grace we have been given even greater citizenship in Heaven. The way we live our lives should reflect our eventual destination. You used to walk in these ways, in the life you once lived. But now you must also rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips. Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator. (Colossians 3:7-10) Like Paul, we should be all things to all people. Following Jesus, however, should never be burdensome, but should instead reflect the freedom we have gained by living under the influence of the Holy Spirit (Romans 8:9).
Cultivating (Additional Reading): Romans 12:2; 2 Corinthians 5:17
blw
Calvary Chapel of Melbourne; 2955 Minton Road; W. Melbourne, FL 32904; 321-952-9673
All Bible references are from the New International Version (NIV) unless otherwise noted.