July 10, 2016

Sunday Devotional With Mr. E: It Leaves A Mark

I ask my students to clean up after themselves...cleaning surfaces, rinsing out brushes, wiping off materials that may have picked up color or residue. It isn't just appropriate for one to take care of the messes they make, it is essential for those who come after them.  Work can easily be ruined by another not taking care of their supplies.  The student that follows comes in expecting a clean surface or clean materials....and the next thing they know their work is marked up & messy because of the actions of another.  I will say that personal responsibility should be taken on the part of all students to check their area & materials prior to beginning.  However, most just assume that the actions of another won't impact them. 

Do not be misled: "Bad company corrupts good character."
1 Corinthians 15: 33

I have a very diverse group of friends & people that I associate.  I feel that just because I'm a Christian does not mean I must only spend time with other people that believe the same way I do.  How boring would that be?!?!  Plus, I feel that we must get outside of the church walls if we want to have an impact on the world around us.  Jesus made a point of spend time with those the "religious" people would not consider.  However, we must be very careful not to place ourselves in situations or with individuals that will have a negative impact on us. I would not place myself somewhere that I felt would cause me to struggle or would influence my ideas & attitudes in a negative way.  Many people will say, "But it is my ministry!"  The Lord would not place you in a ministry that would corrupt you & your character!  We must take responsibility....knowing ourselves, the people, & the situation well enough to know if we need to be in the midst of it.  Because if we are not careful...it will leave a mark.  So often people just assume they are unaffected by the company they keep and the places they spend their time.  Like the marks on a sheet of paper picked up from an unclean table....we pick up things when we are unaware.  We must protect ourselves & those that look to us for guidance by making wise choices in all we do.  

PRAYER
Dear Lord...so much in this world leaves a mark.
Help me to see what I need to avoid...where I need to invest...
and what you have for me.  I want to be where you want me to be.
In Your Name, AMEN 


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