Day 214: Rationalization

3 Aug, 2014

2 Chronicles 33:14-34:33

Romans 16:10-27

Psalm 26:1-12

Proverbs 20:19

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Commentary by Pastor Michael White:

“…but I want you to be wise in what is good, and simple concerning evil” (Rom 16:19b). Wisdom requires knowledge. God instructs us to become incredibly wise – as practically informed as possible – when it comes to “what is good.” But when it comes to evil, we’re supposed to keep it simple. When it comes to right and wrong, we tend to make our choices too complicated. We often suffer from a perverted process called rationalization: even though we know something is contrary to God and shouldn’t be done, we convince ourselves that it will only happen once and then God will forgive us. We talk ourselves into doing what is evil and out of doing what is good. I invite you today to examine the areas of your life that have fallen subject to rationalization: are you embracing God’s best for you in every area of your life? If not, I have good news. You are not expected to “do good” alone. Jesus Christ died so that you could be made perfect – so that God’s Holy Spirit could live in you to 1) tell you what is “good” and 2) empower you to do it. Without God’s Holy Spirit working in us and through us, we don’t stand a chance. With Him, however, no enemy can stand against us.

Prayer:

Father, thank You for the indwelling presence and power of Your Holy Spirit! I need you to live well. I need you to do good! Your Holy Spirit will empower me to do everything You have called me to do in Jesus’ name!