Based on “Pray this Prayer for Me – Part 3” by Pastor Mark Balmer; 6/19-20/10,
Message #6051; Daily Devotional #6 - “Our Daily Reality Show”
Preparing the Soil (Introduction): So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. (1 Corinthians 10:31, NLT)
Planting and Watering the Seed (Growth): Reality shows have become a fast growing trend in television. Reality TV has become a cultural phenomenon and is here to stay. Reckless behavior, drama, and conflict are often magnified during the show for the sake of “entertaining” viewers. If you were thrown into the media spotlight and cast as a member of a reality television show, would your day to day life bring glory to God? How would you respond to a fellow contestant talking about you behind your back? Don’t repay evil for evil. Don’t retaliate with insults when people insult you. Instead, pay them back with a blessing. That is what God has called you to do, and he will bless you for it. (1 Peter 3:9) Would home viewers see you join in the conversation about the absent cast member? How can you say to your brother, ‘Brother, let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when you yourself fail to see the plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye. (Luke 6:42) Could your time management skills or lack thereof, be the lead in for a segment titled “Clearing the Clutter?” The plans of the diligent lead to profit as surely as haste leads to poverty. (Proverbs 21:5) Could a single critical comment be heard as a sound bite on a syndicated radio show for months? May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer. (Psalm 19:14) We are ambassadors for Christ, to be used in this world for God’s glory. May His Spirit reside within us and through us, so the world may see His goodness.
Harvesting the Crop (Action/Response): If you were cast as the show’s “Christian” and cameras captured your every move, word, and facial expression, what would be broadcast for ratings’ sake? What would cast you, and ultimately our God, in a negative light? Did you do anything this week that you would not want to be broadcast around the world? Did you say anything that could allow a nonbeliever to say, “Hah! Why don’t you practice what you preach?” We are to grow more Christ-like every day. That includes examining ourselves, rather than judging others. You then, why do you judge your brother? Or why do you look down on your brother? For we will all stand before God’s judgment seat. (Romans 14:10) So then, each of us will give an account of himself to God. (Romans 14:12) Each and every day, in everything we do, let us remember that we have the honor to be ambassadors for Jesus. Let us humbly serve God and one another.
Cultivating (Additional Reading): 2 Corinthians 5:10
lh
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.
New Living Translation = NLT.