Today’s Devotional Theme
Back to Basics
Daily Scripture
1 Timothy 3:16
“And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifested in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen by angels, preached among the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up in glory.”
Encouragement
If you’re like me, you find it useful – even essential – to go back and review every so often the foundation for your belief in the ministry of Jesus and the legacy He’s given us. When my faith in God seems to be veering off the track, it’s back to basics for me. Expert golfers, violinists, and visual artists all know to periodically go back to the basics: revisit their swing, play scales, refine their shading and perspective on a drawing or painting. When you’re really good at something, it’s easy to get complacent and not even think about the basics anymore. I can think of at least one other fundamental reason besides keeping one’s skill or knowledge on track to go back to the basics: if we’re introducing a raw beginner to a discipline, we obviously don’t say something like, “pick up your violin and play me a scale.” (Although I’ve read that one or two famous teachers do just that!) When Paul and his disciples went into a new area, they usually didn’t start out by teaching fancy theology. They started with a message of repentance and acceptance of a resurrected Jesus Christ as Savior. Even when addressing knowledgeable Jews in Asia Minor or sophisticated philosophers on Mars Hill just outside Athens (Acts chapter 17), Paul introduced Jesus in simple, direct language.
Take Action!
Is it too much to ask the various churches and denominations to put aside doctrinal and theological quibbles and agree to share with nonbelievers a basic, simple, unadorned gospel? The future of the church at large depends on it. Today’s scripture helps us remember who Christ is. Paul reminds his young disciple Timothy – and by extension us – who Jesus is: God’s Son, born to confer eternal life to us who believe (John 3:16). His resurrection affirms that He will resurrect us from our sin and give us the authority to become children of God (John 1:12).
Come into His Presence
Lord God, I never want to lose sight of Who You are and of the place You have prepared for us in Your kingdom. When I face those seasons of fraying faith, I’m grateful that You have given us a simple and basic message to remind us of Your reality and work in our lives. In Jesus’ name, amen.
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