Psalm 135:15-18 – The idols of the nations are silver and gold, made by the hands of men. They have mouths, but cannot speak, eyes, but they cannot see; they have ears, but cannot hear, nor is there breath in their mouths. Those who make them will be like them, and so will all who trust in them. (NIV)

I spend my physical time in two different worlds: home and work; and my friends and neighbours know at a whiff which world I have just come from. Why? Because when I am working at home out in the barn rubbing shoulders with the horses and goats, pitching hay and straw, that's exactly what I smell like: horses, goats, hay, and straw.

Likewise, as God's people, it is a fact that we also interact in two separate worlds. As Christians, we belong to God. We are born again into the spiritual world as our souls have been transferred out of the kingdom of darkness into His wonderful light. At the same time, however, we still live and work in this physical world, a world that often trusts not in God but in material things, hopes, and dreams. We are bombarded by the media through radio, television, movies, magazines, newspapers, books, music, and ads of all kinds that promote the misguided fact that the idol of materialism and worldliness is the one to seek after and worship.

When Jesus prayed for His disciples, He said, "My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one. They are not of the world, even as I am not of it. Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth. (John 17:15-17 NIV)

Spending time with God through the power of His Word helps to make us like Him. It scents our very beings with His Spirit as it fills our mouths with words of encouragement and wisdom, opens our eyes to truth and justice, tunes our ears to His will and way, and breathes the power of life eternal through Jesus Christ into our souls. It purifies us, making us more like Him and His world, even amidst a world of idolatry.

As a Christian, it is my hope and prayer today that just as my friends and neighbours know at a whiff which world I have physically come from, they might also know by means of a fragrant, godly word, action, or look which world I belong to spiritually and in whom I trust.

Prayer: Father God, bless us with a desire to know and apply Your Word to our hearts and lives this day and every day, that those around us might enjoy and embrace the fragrance of Your love through us. In Christ's name, we pray. Amen.

Forward this devotional     Share on Facebook

About the author:

Lynne Phipps <lynnephippsatlin@gmail.com>
Tawatinaw, Alberta, Canada
Send your feedback to the author