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Not Even a Hint – Jeff Fisher
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But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God’s holy people. Ephesians 5:3

My 10-year-old son agonized for several weeks. The challenge was to learn the 50 US states, their capitals, and attempt to spell them correctly. It was a daunting task for a 5th grader. He worked hard, identifying Montpelier as the capital of Vermont and he knew that somewhere in North Dakota there was a city called Bismarck. As he stressed over his upcoming test, he said “Dad, I hope I pass. I need to get 70%.”

Sometimes I wish God’s standards for my life weren’t so high and hard. I wish He would be OK with a 70% effort in the area of righteous living. How about it God? Doesn’t a “C” in Christianity sound nice?

But His standards are higher . . . much higher. God calls me to be holy. He wants me to be perfect in Christian living. He wants my whole body, mind, and spirit set aside for His purposes.

But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God’s holy people. This verse encompasses more than sexual immorality and greed. Its range is broad and calls for no hint of any impurity.

When I set my own standards for Christian living, they end up being much lower than His best. I feel OK when I arrive at a certain level and stop depending on Him. I plateau and stagnate at places where holiness becomes difficult.

There are many times when I want a  ”hint” of something I’m not supposed to have. I might want to hang on to a bad relationship or a bad habit. I might want to be angry or vengeful for a while. I might not want to get rid of those movies, music, and computer websites that dirty up my life.

Isn’t it funny how a hint never seems to be enough? When I open the door to impurity, I end up wanting more. The trap snaps quickly and I get dragged down the wrong path.

God’s call is high. You can’t get away with being partially holy. God wants you wholly holy. You can’t hang on to a hint of anything unrighteous and still please Him.

Dear God, help me to strive for your high standards of holiness. I’m dependent on You to help me get there. Amen.

Jeff Fisher is a financial analyst by day and a blogger/podcaster by night. He has a background in ministry and has pastored churches in Texas and New York. He and his wife live in Cary, NC with their two sons and run the website Porn to Purity. Jeff is also host of the Top Tips For Sexual Purity Podcast, available on I-Tunes.
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What Kind of Hands are You Bringing to Work? – Jeff Fisher
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Lazy hands make a man poor, but diligent hands bring wealth. Proverbs 10:4

Do I have lazy hands? I wondered as I eyed the words of Proverbs. Did you know your hands can predict your financial future? Proverbs forced me to pause and look at my hands. I needed to assess. Do I have lazy hands or diligent hands?

Laziness is a selfish action that robs God and others of my best. My employer loses my productivity. God is robbed of an opportunity to glorify Himself. My spouse and children do not get quality time with me. And I am cheated out of an opportunity to excel, grow in my usefulness, and be rewarded for my hard work.

It’s easy to fall into laziness. Some days are slow, some are stressful, and some leave me feeling tired and lonely. I have selfish days where I don’t want to work. Sometimes I wake up and I don’t want to be a responsible employee, parent, or spouse. Facebook, Twitter, and QVC are much more interesting than my responsibilities.

Laziness is only working hard when the boss is around. It’s getting to work late and clocking out early. It’s taking too long of a lunch break and turning in projects late.

Proverbs warns us about laziness. The writer helps us understand God expects us to pull our weight, do our part—be active and assertive in everything we do. In only a few words we see the consequence of an action.

My hands represent my whole self, not just my productivity and sweat. My diligence engages my heart, will, mind, and actions in the work God has given me. Otherwise my focus is lost.

 

Diligent hands are wealthy hands and God rewards my hard work by blessing my efforts. He overflows into my life. Whether wealth comes in material or eternal form, doesn’t matter. My larger goal is bringing honor to God, my true boss.

Which hands are you bringing to work?  Ask God to help them be diligent hands.

Dear God, help me to be diligent and not lazy. Give me the desire to work hard and honor you with my labor. Amen.

Jeff Fisher is a financial analyst by day and a blogger/podcaster by night. He has a background in ministry and has pastored churches in Texas and New York. He and his wife live in Cary, NC with their two sons and run the website Porn to Purity. Jeff is also host of the Top Tips For Sexual Purity Podcast, available on I-Tunes.
Read Jeff’s devotions.

Receive a daily devotion on your Kindle!