Christian’s Societal Duties: Devotion for Saturday August 22, 2020

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Saturday August 22, 2020

Topic: Christian’s Societal Duties              

Text: Romans 13:7 – 10                         

When Paul says render therefore to all, he is talking about your duties towards God in the first place, to yourselves, to your families, your relations, to the commonwealth, to the church, to the poor, to those that you have dealings with in buying, selling, exchanging, etc. Render to all their dues; and that readily and cheerfully, not tarrying till you are by law compelled to it that should be the life of a Christian. Specifically, Paul mentioned some dues we ought to pay. They are taxes, respect, debt (Romans 13:7) and love (Romans 13:8).

As members of the church militant, we are still living here on earth. Thus we have the obligation to pay taxes and developmental levies for the good of the society we live in. We should note that “If rulers transcend their just authority, neglect the objects for which they were appointed, and seek their own, not the good of the people; if they terrify the good, encourage the bad, and require men to commit sin; men are bound, in these things, to disobey them, and in all things to obey God” so posited Family Bible Notes.

Why did Paul call love for our neighbours a debt? We are permanently in debt to Christ for the lavish love he has poured out on us. The only way we can even begin to repay this debt is by loving others in turn. Because Christ’s love will always be infinitely greater than ours, we will always have the obligation to love our neighbours.

How faithful are you to these societal obligations?

Food for Thought: Your love for all men will lead you to fulfill all your duties towards.

Memory Verse: Romans 13 v 8

Prayer: God grant me the enabling grace to love all men so it will lead me to fulfill my societal obligations towards them.

IT PAYS TO BE CHARITABLE (1): Devotion for Monday September 26, 2016

IT PAYS TO BE CHARITABLE (1): Devotion for Monday September 26, 2016

Text: Acts 9:36 – 43                          Memory verse: v 40

It pays to be charitable because that is the best way to serve God and humanity. This was the emphasis of Jesus Christ in Matt 25:31–46. The testimony of Tabitha (Dorcas) here is challenging. Acts 9:36 says, “At Joppa there was a certain disciple named Tabitha, which is translated Dorcas. This woman was full of good works and charitable deeds which she did.” Christians, who have not property to give in charity, may yet be able to do acts of charity; working with their hands, or walking with their feet, for the good of others. We should understand that our works of charity will definitely praise us. People will acknowledge what we do and sometimes act in our favour as these people did for Dorcas. We shouldn’t be ungrateful when we receive kindness from people.

While we live upon the fullness of Christ for our whole salvation, we should desire to be full of good works, for the honour of His name, and for the benefit of His saints as mark of gratitude for His mercies. This is what Sir Thomas Browne posited when he said, “Be charitable before wealth makes you covetous.” Such characters as Dorcas are useful where they dwell, as showing the excellence of the word of truth by their lives. Are you one of them?

Food for Thought: “Nothing will make us so charitable and tender to the fault of others, as, by self examination, thoroughly to know our own” Francis FeNelon.

Prayer: Lord, teach me acts of charity so I will never close my eyes to the needs of people around me in Jesus name.