November 28

Morning

For I was overjoyed when the brothers came and testified about your devotion to the truth, in which you continue to walk. — 3John 1:3 BSB

The truth was in Gaius, and Gaius walked in the truth. If the first were not true, the second could never have happened. And if the second were not true, the first would have been a mere pretense. Truth must penetrate the soul, saturate it, and become part of it, or else it holds no value. Doctrines held only as creeds are like bread in the hand that never nourishes the body. But truth received by the heart is like food digested, which strengthens and builds up the body.

Truth must be a living force within us, an active energy, an indwelling reality that becomes woven into the fabric of our being. Once the truth resides within us, it can never be separated from us. A person may lose their possessions, but they cannot lose their inner being without losing their life. A Christian may face death, but they cannot deny the truth.

Just as light shines from the center of a lantern through the glass, what is within us will shine outwardly. When truth is kindled within, its brightness soon manifests in our lives and our conduct.

It is said that the food certain silkworms consume colors the silk they produce, and so it is with a person’s inner nourishment—it influences every word and deed that comes from them.

To walk in the truth is to live a life of integrity, holiness, faithfulness, and simplicity—the natural fruit of the gospel principles that the Spirit of God enables us to embrace. We can judge the state of a person’s soul by the life they lead. Let us, today, O gracious Spirit, be governed by Your authority, so that nothing false or sinful may take root in our hearts and extend its influence into our daily lives.

Evening

For Mordecai the Jew was second only to King Xerxes, preeminent among the Jews and highly favored by his many kinsmen, seeking the good of his people and speaking peace to all his countrymen. — Esth 10:3 BSB

Mordecai was a true patriot, and when he was exalted to the highest position under King Ahasuerus, he used his influence to promote the welfare of Israel. In this, he is a type of Christ, who, upon His throne of glory, seeks not His own good but uses His power for the benefit of His people.

It would be well if every Christian sought to be like Mordecai, striving to the best of their ability for the prosperity of the Church. Some are placed in positions of affluence and influence—let them honor their Lord in those high places and testify of Jesus before great people. Others may have even greater privilege: close fellowship with the King of kings. Let them be diligent in praying daily for the weak in the Lord’s family—the doubting, the tempted, and the troubled. It is a great honor to intercede for those in need, and there is no higher service than pleading for those who dare not approach the throne of grace themselves.

Instructed believers can serve their Master greatly by sharing their spiritual wealth with others, teaching them the deep things of God. Even the least among us can still desire and work for the good of God’s people, and if they can offer nothing more than this, their desire will be acceptable.

To bless others is the most Christlike path and the happiest way to live. Those who serve others cannot fail to be blessed themselves. On the other hand, to seek only our own personal greatness is a selfish and miserable way to live. Its path is hard, and its end is ruin.

So I ask you, my friend, are you doing all you can to seek the well-being of the Church where you live? I trust you are not harming it with bitterness or neglect. Friend, join with the Lord’s people, bear their burdens, and do them all the good you can—you will not lose your reward!