A Debased Mind

A Debased Mind by Kirk Hunt

And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a debased mind, to do those things which are not fitting

Romans 1:28 NKJV
Please also read Romans 1:18-32

Sin is never a victimless crime. Someone else always pays the price of your debased thoughts and actions. A sinful mind can only find the violent, abusive, unforgiving, unmerciful path to a solution.

There is always a different solution. Father-God gives wisdom to those who ask. Jesus commands us to be very cunning but without harm to others. You do not have to resort to weapons or violence (physical, mental or financial) just because they are available.

Full disclosure: Like every other human being, I am not perfect. Still, I try. I practice finding the other solution. Only a brute, or a thug, seeks only to use force.

If violence is your first solution, you probably did not think it through very well. Or your mind is trapped in the lowest, most debased responses. Father-God wants you to ask Him to raise your level. So does everyone around you.

A higher response takes longer. A clever action requires more thought. Finding the graceful way requires a mind that seeks to bless, not blast, others. Any brute or thug can swing a club.

Jesus wants His disciples to benefit Father-God’s children. When faced with their worst, that is an opportunity for you to demonstrate His best. Raise your mind in Him, so you can raise their souls to His heart.

Think: No matter what I face, I can find a higher, better solution in God’s wisdom.

Pray: “Lord, I ask for Your wisdom so I can have a higher response.”

Copyright © February 2021, Kirk Hunt

This devotional is brought to you courtesy of CadreMen Press. You can purchase a copy of Blessed and Blessing: Devotionals For Gospel Champions from your favorite bookseller or directly from CadreMen Press.

Modern Pharisees

Modern Pharisees By Kirk Hunt

 

But some of the sect of the Pharisees who believed rose up, saying, “It is necessary to circumcise them, and to command them to keep the law of Moses.”

Acts 15:5 NKJV

 

The Gospels clearly record how this ancient Jewish sect opposed Jesus and His message of grace and forgiveness. At best, the Pharisees were judgmental, harsh, unforgiving, graceless and snobbish. Except for the fact they accepted salvation from Jesus, I pray you are not like them.

 

After the Holy Spirit fell on the Gentiles, the converted Pharisees wanted to impose the Mosaic Law (and probably all of the rabbinical commentary and regulations) on these new Christians. Instead of embracing and promoting the new freedom and fresh grace of Christianity, they sought to impose old thinking and older rules. Thankfully, Paul, Peter and the Apostles blocked their attempt to weigh down the Gospel with inflexible directives and man-made regulations.

 

Unfortunately, the Pharisee way of thinking did not die out before 100 AD. A rules-laden, suffocating approach to the life-giving Gospel of Jesus is still with us and operating in the modern Church. Opposition to the modern Church can largely be linked to Pharisee-like thinking and practices. That should not be a surprise to saint or sinner.

 

Anytime non-Biblical rules, regulations or interpretation trumps the Gospel itself, you have a Pharisee-like problem on your hands. Living out the Gospel of Jesus Christ is difficult enough. Do not let anyone, including you, write-in additional rules and regulations.

 

Think: Disciples are made using grace and truth, not rules and regulations.

 

Pray: “Lord, help me to disciple people of all nations with grace and truth.”

 

 

Copyright © March 2016, Kirk Hunt

This devotional is a ministry of http://devotionals.cadremenpress.com.