Something’s Fishy
A Devotional
© Steve Lattier and Men’s Help Ministries
“Of course I am a Christian, I have a fish on my car!” While I have never actually heard someone use that phrase, I see examples of it every now and then. While placing a symbol of your faith in God on your car or the wall in your home or possibly even in your office at work is noteworthy and commendable there should be more. T-shirts are another way to show that you are a member of a kingdom that is a little, ok a whole lot different than the rest of the world. But again, they aren’t going to make the grade.
The Word:
Ephesians 4:22 You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; [23] to be made new in the attitude of your minds; [24] and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.
Colossians 3:9 Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices [10] and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator.
Like a popular Christian song asks, “What about the change? What about the difference?” Well we should ask ourselves on a very regular basis that simple question. “Am I living a changed life from the one that I had before?” I have known people who can quote you scripture for every occasion in your life, yet themselves are not saved.
The Word:
Matthew 18:3 And he said: "I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. [4] Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.
What is this? What does that passage mean “humble yourself like a child” and is that the change that is spoken of? It is certainly not all of the change but it is the greatest part. A child, hmm, I can’t think of a more fitting corollary. A child, lets peek at how a child relates to a sold out Christian walk, kids really are so neat.
Kids
An honest excitement about things they like
Realize that they have a boss
Love unconditionally
Get excited when a friend wins
Just want a hug when things are bad
Accept instruction with zeal
Believe even the wildest stories
Wake up to a new day every day
Adults
Often disingenuous or faking it
Try to be the boss
Attach many strings to their affection
Complain when someone does better
Murmur, gossip and shift blame
Are set in their ways
Try to disprove all new ideas
Dig up yesterdays problems before breakfast
These few items aren’t all of the differences between kids and us “grown-ups” but in just that short space it is easy to see our Fathers motivation for a child like faith. A Christian walk is more than just the trappings that you can buy in a bookstore. There is a change that takes place in your life when you truly release control of your life to God. There is a difference in KNOWING Christ died for you and BELIEVING it. When you believe you get what is known as a “heart-condition”, the only one that will save your life I might add! Perhaps you are reading this and realize that you are that person who simply “has a fish on their car,” or maybe you realize that you never have given your life over to Christ and you want that heart condition.
Pray with me: Father I ask your forgiveness for all my sins, those sins that I know about and those that I have forgotten. Father I am sorry I have wronged you and others. I understand that your son died so that I might live, I accept his sacrifice on the cross. I dedicate my life to serving you. Come into my life and change me, don’t ever let me slip away. I want that heart-condition Steve wrote about. I love you, I surrender to you, I am yours. In Jesus name. Amen!
If you have just said this prayer for the first time send me an email, if not me go and tell someone a friend, a pastor or a family member.
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SLattier@JESUSaves.every1.net <FONT COLOR="#000000" SIZE="1" FACE="Verdana, Helvetica, Arial">This message has been edited by SLattier on 01-22-2001 at 02:47 AM</font>
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