It’s All About the Details Devotional Reading and Podcast
At 12, I became aware of my creative sewing ability. I told my mother that I knew how to sew and asked her for a sewing machine. My mother did not question or verbalize doubt in my confidence to sew. She knew I had never worked with patterns, cut fabric, or touched a sewing machine.
Sewing was my niche, and I loved it. Yet, one thing bothered me about my finished garments, the inside seams appeared ragged. In that era, most clothing had seams cut with Pinking shears–scissors with saw-toothed blades that produced a zigzag finish. I started experimenting with different sewing techniques to give the inside of clothing a finished look. To this day, before purchasing any item, I carefully scrutinize the inside for a finished look. It’s all in the details.
Throughout the Bible, we have evidence that God’s primary concern is the condition of our hearts which is reflected by our character.
- “Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things” (1 Corinthians 13:4-7).
- “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such, there is no law (Galatians 5:22-23).
- “For there will never cease to be poor in the land. Therefore I command you, ‘You shall open wide your hand to your brother, to the needy and to the poor, in your land'” (Deuteronomy 15:11).
It’s All in the [Spiritual] Details
“…For the Lord does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart” (1 Samuel 16:7).
There are a group of Christians who do not participate in worldly activities, yet, their hearts do not possess the love of Christ. They attempt to disguise their flawed characters by clothing themselves in the finest garments, having perfect church attendance, and giving tithe and offerings. They have a form of godliness but serving God has evolved only into a weekly ritual.
Living comfortably, they smile and proclaim that God is good. Even so, they will not participate in the outreach activities of witnessing to others or community programs that focus on helping those in need. We only fool ourselves. God has a perfect knowledge of our hearts. Yes, we may impress others, but our hidden thoughts reveal to God there is no indication of a spiritual transformation.
Our works are evidence of our faith in God. The decision to become a Christian is a covenant vow. We commit ourselves through surrender and obedience. Jesus defines our earthly duty when he gave The Great Commission in Matthew 28:18-20 to His disciples.
John chapter 17 reveals Christians are modern-day disciples. Witnessing and helping others is every believer’s spiritual assignment. The world we live in does not care about the details of the lives of those who are in need. Disciples follow in Jesus’ path because He is our Role-Model.
We strive daily for a closer relationship with Christ through obedience, prayer, Bible study, faith, and trust. From doing our part, the Holy Spirit anoints us with His presence and power, and our character is slowly transformed into the likeness of Christ. Not only do we begin to think and behave differently, but the goodness of God is revealed by our love, joy, and peace.
Praise to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, we are never alone in the struggle to live righteously. Sanctification is the lifelong transformation of our characters. And Jesus promises to finish our spiritual transformation until the day of His Second Coming. “…being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ…” (Philippians 1:6).
Our Heavenly Father is all about the details, always helping us by purging our hearts and characters.
King David’s Prayer: “Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” (Psalm 139:23-24)
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