A Daily Purpose

Bible Study & Devotional (Day 53)

Read Today’s Passages (February 22, 2022)

🔴 At All Cost

Contributing Writer: Irvine Saint-Vilus

In today’s society, it is much more comfortable and painless to follow the crowd than to stand up for what you believe in, especially if that means doing so at a cost to a person’s livelihood or even their life. The brave souls who choose to take a stand against wrong or an injustice often find their position is unpopular and even lonely.

This begs the question, is it worth it?

In Scripture, John the Baptist had the depth of character and fortitude to rise to the occasion. In Mark 6:14-29, John the Baptist encountered this very issue, and the price cost him his very life. John, the Elijah of his day, paved the way for the coming Messiah, Jesus. In Mark 6:20, he is exclaimed to be a “just and holy man.” John spoke out against the unlawful marriage of King Herod and Herodias.

Why?

Herod divorced his previous wife to marry Herodias, who had been married to his brother, Herod Philip. Herodias, who did not want to face the truth of her wrongdoing, hated John for calling her out on it, and she plotted to take vengeance against him by having John killed.

How Did She Do It?

Using her daughter, Herodias capitalized on Herod’s fleshly weakness and ego to ask for John’s head. And she got what she requested. As a man of God who stood up for holiness and righteousness, John the Baptist ended up paying the ultimate price.

Like John, can we be bold and courageous enough to stand up for what we believe is right?

For instance, many of us must decide to stand up for or even defend the Christian faith in today’s society, regardless of what is trendy in popular culture. Notably, the most remarkable example of giving up one’s life for what He believes in is the Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Because of His great love for the world, Jesus willingly gave up His life, dying a heinous death. Today, those who place their trust in Him will not perish but have everlasting life.

Irvine Saint-Vilus

Irvine is a published author, worship leader, instructor, and speaker. Over the past two years, she worked as an instructional assistant helping autistic students in the school system. Irvine also had the privilege of working as a chaplain in a hospital setting, which allowed her to minister to patients, staff and work in a team environment where collaboration and accountability were essential. Irvine received a Bachelor’s degree in English at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte; a Master’s degree in Divinity, and a School Counseling degree at Liberty University in Lynchburg, Virginia.

This devotional was submitted by Irvine Saint-Vilus, a loving contributor to Our Given Purpose. Edited by Torrie Slaughter the founder of Our Given Purpose® in the Commonwealth of Virginia.