Day 3: Preserve What’s Good
Today, we have a ridiculous number of food preservatives. If you want to have some fun, ask some friends to spell some of the words that are listed as ingredients on Twinkies or other Little Debbie Snack Cakes.
The idea of these added preservatives is to preserve what is good. Other regular ingredients such as flour, sugar, cheese, meat, and more will rot or mold fairly quickly without the added preservatives.
In the same way that salt helps different foods taste better, it also has the ability to preserve what is good. Salted meat will last a lot longer before beginning to spoil. Even beans, cabbage, and fish are often preserved with salt to prevent them from spoiling.
In the same way that Jesus may be encouraging us to bring out the best in others, perhaps He’s also encouraging us to see and preserve the best in others. Maybe it even goes a step further. Maybe He is inviting us to always be looking for the good in others, no matter what may be visible on the surface. Counselor and author, Larry Crabb, has noted the importance of finding “delight in others, no matter what degree of ugliness we encounter.” As you read today, consider this: How challenging is it for you to delight in others, no matter what degree of ugliness you may encounter?”
READING:
1 THESSALONIANS 2:7-12, PROVERBS 12:25
How challenging is it for you to delight in others, no matter what degree of ugliness you may encounter?
Who do you know who is currently anxious or worrying about something happening in their life? How can you be an encouragement to them today?
F260 READING: (A Scripture Reading Plan for Busy Believers)
Read: Exodus 12
Reflect: What did you H.E.A.R. from God today? HEAR Bible Study Method
PRAYER:
Heavenly Father, I confess that many times when I encounter the ugliness within somebody else, my initial desire is to run the other direction as quickly as I can. While I know that sometimes it is healthy to have safe boundaries in place, there are times I run the other direction when I could be patient and diligent in looking for the hidden good within them. Today I am simply reminded that even when I see the worst in others, You have created them. You have created them in Your image. May I continually see others through Your eyes. I pray this in Jesus’ name. Amen.
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