Bible Study & Devotional Day 26
🔴 Common-Law
James 4:17 “So whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is a sin.”
The book of Proverbs speaks of wisdom as a woman and condemns adultery. I want to take an opportunity to talk about the infidelity we practice being married to the world.
Are we practicing a common-law marriage with God?
Proverbs 5:8 Keep your way far from her, and do not go near the door of her house.
Common-law marriage is also known as a non-ceremonial marriage (divided loyalty). A couple may be considered married without formally registering their relation as a civil marriage.
Are you a believer who hasn’t fully committed to a relationship with Christ?
2 Corinthians 6:14 “Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? Or what fellowship has light with darkness?”
To have a relationship with our Lord is to bond to Him with authentic intentions. It requires full transparency and trust. Just like any relationship, we need to spend time getting to know our Abba Father. (Exodus 3:12) How do we do that? By reading His Holy Word, praying, and actively going after His presence. The bond we form is everlasting; it is not something to enter into without considering the cost.
Romans 5:8 “But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.“
There is nothing we need to do that will enhance God’s love. We shouldn’t become competitive or dwell on issues that will cause division. Unity in Christ means we hate what He hates and love what He loves. In doing so, we must be careful not to judge our brothers and sisters. If we are unsure of what to do, the best option is to ‘love anyhow’. Find the redeeming qualities and focus on developing our resolve not to have things our way.
Christ-Alone is Sufficient
We need not conform to this world through performing rituals that appear like love for our Lord. Our wholehearted yearning is the indwelling spirit seeking God’s affection. We accomplish that by submitting to the will of our Lord(Exodus 3:3). Enter into a formal agreement and become united with Christ. You will distinctly hear the voice of God, and His instructions will add value to your earthly life (Exodus 3:4). He is the wisdom to combat the common-law (relationships) of the land. (Exodus 3:5)
~Torrie Slaughter
This devotional was submitted by Torrie Slaughter, the founder of Our Given Purpose® in the Commonwealth of Virginia.
🔴 The Bible In A Year Daily Reading Plan
Exodus 2:11-3:22, Matthew 17:10-27, Psalm 22:1-18, Proverbs 5:7-14
Download or Print the One Year Bible Reading Plan
