Day Twenty-Eight—That Christ would be first in his affections
I have written something to the church, but Diotrephes, who likes to put himself first, does not acknowledge our authority. So if I come, I will bring up what he is doing, talking wicked nonsense against us. And not content with that, he refuses to welcome the brothers, and also stops those who want to and puts them out of the church. 3 John 9-10
Being first seems to be the right way to go. We desire to be number one in sports, number one in school, on and on its goes—number one in everything. As we see in 3 John , being number one can have disastrous consequences. The same is true today. The desire to be the best leader, elder, pastor teacher or congregant drives many to lay a pattern of destruction and damages souls in their wake. Let us pray today that our sons would have Christ as first in their affections and not themselves.
Lord, I pray for our sons that You may show them that being number one is not a lofty goal. May You be their number One, the true and best example we have. As they participate and grow up in church give them the compassion to treat others how You would treat them. As you shine through them, may their lives be salt and light in the church world as well as in the market/school/sports place. Amen.
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Jon Perera is married to his wife Anne of 16 years. They have 3 children Andrew,Audrey, Austin. The couple has lived in McKinney TX since 2004 where they attend Crosspoint Church. Jon is blessed to teach an Adult Bible Fellowship class and teach 1st graders on Wednesday nights.