2 Corinthians 11:3 – “But now I’m afraid that just as Eve was deceived by the serpent’s clever lies, your thoughts may be corrupted, and you may lose your single-hearted devotion and pure love for Christ.”  TPT

The real problem of deception and a wrong self-image arose for consideration as I prayed and read today.  In 2 Corinthians 11:3, Paul expressed the concern of deception stealing the peace of the simplicity and purity of devotion to Christ. It is a serious problem for everyone!

In 2 Corinthians 10:12, he warned against opening that door of pride by comparing ourselves with others.   What someone else has or does is not the measure of who we are.  Our measure is only our obedience and devotion to Christ.  It is not what we do but our devotion and obedience that God looks at. 

The Law of Reciprocity is working in every area of life.  The harvest is not out of our great exploits but our loving and willing obedience.   God gives us seed to sow and bread to eat.  Every grace abounds in the obedient and enables us to give.  We give what we have, and that is often other than material things.

In 2 Corinthians 6:6, he spoke of unhypocritical love.  What is that?  How can love be hypocritical?  Agape cannot be, but Phileo or Eros can!  Maintaining the sincerity and purity of our devotion enables us to walk as Jesus walked.  I only want to do what I see the Father doing.  I only want to say what I hear the Father saying.  Complete obedience is the requirement.  Singular devotion is essential.  Unhypocritical love is the key.

My prayer is, “Lord, help us never look at others as a comparison, but to see their need and pray about it and be generous in helping them.  Help us to have ears to hear & eyes to see.  Help us willingly allow the Holy Spirit to guard our minds, ears, hands, and mouths.   Transform us.  Amen.”

Today, it would be a good idea to examine our hearts and eliminate comparisons to any other person. Our standard is not someone else; it is the purity and sincerity of our devotion to Jesus. If He is first, then we can relax. We are where we need to be at that moment. Do not get stuck or complacent, but another’s gifts, abilities, blessings, or labors are not our concern—our heart is the concern.  

Therefore, relax and be.  God will work in and through you His purposes in His time and way.  Just be!

May God’s incredible Grace cover you like a warm blanket on a chilly winter night!