January 5: 1 John 3:11-15
Key Verse: 1 John 3:12
Do not be like Cain, who belonged to the evil one and murdered his brother. And why did he murder him? Because his own actions were evil and his brother’s were righteous.
Devotion:
How many times have you been told or heard someone say “Don’t be like them”? We all do tend to judge people by the actions they do and the lives they live which raises a question; is it right to judge people? If you are comparing them to others you are probably not judging them per-say but comparing them to the life God would prefer us to live.
The message behind these verses is to love one another and the story of Cain is being used as an example of how we should not live! Cain became jealous of his brother through what his mother was feeding him and his own feelings. He was being influenced by the people around him and the environment; again the message here is to identify these sort of things in our lives so we can avoid ending up like Cain!
If we focus on our own lives and the things we do, we are going to be able to accept guidance from the Holy Spirit much easier than if we are being influenced by our surroundings and peers. If we feel like we cannot escape from these trappings then we should probably live in an environment that is encouraging rather than discouraging and righteous rather than evil.
In short, it takes some actions from you to move in the right direction in your life. Don’t expect others to do everything for you or to guide you in everything – because they may be influenced themselves. Rather try to listen to righteous guidance from someone righteous: the Holy Spirit!
Points to Ponder:
Who influences you the most in life?
How much do you invite the Holy Spirit to join you in life?