September 11

Morning

“Therefore come out from among them and be separate, says the Lord. Touch no unclean thing, and I will receive you.” — 2 Cor 6:17 BSB

As a Christian living in the world, you are not to be like the world. Your life should stand apart, with a different purpose. For you, “to live” should mean “Christ.” Whatever you do—whether you eat, drink, or anything else—should be done for the glory of God. You may store up treasure, but store it in heaven, where neither moth nor rust can destroy it, and where thieves can’t break in and steal. You may strive for wealth, but make your goal to be “rich in faith” and good works. You may enjoy pleasure, but when you are joyful, sing psalms and make melody in your heart to the Lord.

In your inner life and in your purpose, you must be different from the world. Walk humbly before God, always aware of His presence. Delight in your communion with Him, and seek to know His will. By doing so, you will show that you belong to a heavenly people.

Your actions should also set you apart from the world. If something is right, even if it costs you, do it. If something is wrong, even if it would benefit you, reject it for the sake of your Master. Have no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead, expose them. Live in a way that is worthy of your high calling. Remember, Christian, you are a child of the King of kings. Keep yourself unstained by the world. Don’t let your hands, soon to play heavenly music, be dirtied. Don’t let your eyes, soon to see the King in His beauty, become windows of lust. Don’t let your feet, soon to walk the golden streets, tread in the filth of the world. Don’t let your heart, soon to overflow with heavenly joy, be filled with pride and bitterness.

Then rise, my soul, and soar away,
Above the thoughtless crowd;
Above the pleasures of the mirthful,
And splendors of the proud.

Up where eternal beauties bloom,
And pleasures all divine,
Where wealth that never fades away,
And endless glories shine!

Evening

Lead me, O LORD, in Your righteousness because of my enemies; make straight Your way before me. — Ps 5:8 BSB

The world’s hatred for Christ’s people is very bitter. People will overlook a thousand faults in others but will exaggerate even the smallest mistake in a follower of Jesus. Instead of complaining about this, let us use it as motivation to live carefully before God. If we live carelessly, the world, with its sharp eyes, will quickly notice, and with its many tongues, it will spread the story, making it bigger and more damaging. They will rejoice, saying, “Aha! Look at how these Christians act! They’re all hypocrites!” Such actions would harm the cause of Christ and insult His name.

The cross of Christ is already an offense to the world, so let’s be careful not to add any offenses of our own. It’s a stumbling block to some, so let’s not add any more stumbling blocks to an already difficult path. To others, it’s foolishness, so let’s not add our foolishness to their mockery of the gospel. How careful we should be with ourselves! How strict with our consciences! Knowing that our enemies will misinterpret our best deeds and question our motives even when they can’t find fault with our actions, we must be ever watchful.

We travel through this world like suspected people in Vanity Fair. Not only are we being watched, but there are more spies than we realize. Their eyes are everywhere, at home and abroad. If we fall into their hands, we shouldn’t expect generosity from them. We are more likely to receive mercy from a wolf or kindness from a fiend than patience from people who combine their disbelief in God with slander against His people. O Lord, lead us carefully, so our enemies do not trip us up!