February 29

“A mark of spiritual maturity is a willingness to sacrifice personal comfort in order to strengthen other believers.  Paul urges Christians to pursue only activities that promote peace and behavior that builds up others.” 

H. Blackaby, Experiencing God Day-by-Day, 2/29

In yesterday’s reading Eugenia spoke about losing awareness of those around us because we’re so wrapped up in ourselves.  Today Blackaby is showing me why it matters so much that I deal with my guilt.  I’ve always known that guilt is a killer.  I know this first hand because it’s why my father took his own life.  The truth is anyone who still holds onto their guilt is taking their own life, albeit slowly.  This erosion of our worth only serves to poison those around us as well because it severely “limits the Holy One of Israel” as Eugenia points out.  We are called to be salt and light in this world--reconcilers and encouragers. If we are so focused on ourselves, we never see the pain of others nor are we available to be used by God. May we never neglect this responsibility!  But glory be unto God, it is by the grace of God we are enabled to be a blessing to others through the power of our resurrected Lord.

“For once you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord; walk as children of light.”  Ephesians 5:8