‘If our heart does not condemn us, we have confidence toward God.’ 1 John 3:21 NKJV

When you wilfully do wrong, you experience anxiety, stress, and insecurity. ‘“There is no peace,” says the Lord, “for the wicked.”’ (Isaiah 48:22 NKJV) Whenever you choose a plan of action incompatible with what you believe to be right, you forfeit your peace of mind. For instance, a person may accept a job or duty that forces them to do something against their spiritual convictions, something that violates their conscience. Numerous women have faced the predicament of compromising their values so they can get a promotion or attain other advantages. To them at the time, it looked like their only option. ‘There is a way that appears to be right, but in the end it leads to death.’ (Proverbs 16:25 NIV)

This is when a strong spiritual foundation is essential. It takes faith and bravery to let your convictions direct your behaviour and your choices. The truth is that God is ultimately responsible for your advancement and promotion. His Word says, ‘No one from the east or the west or from the desert can exalt [promote] themselves. It is God who judges: He brings one down, He exalts another.’ (Psalm 75:6–7 NIV) Don’t think you can do right in your own power. Sometimes the temptation to manipulate or lie so that you can advance your job prospects is just too much to withstand. That’s when you need to draw on God’s strength. David said, ‘The Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?’ (Psalm 27:1 NKJV)

Prayer: ‘Father, please keep me from falling into temptation, and deliver me from the Evil One. Help me to do what’s right.’

SoulFood: Col 3–4, Philem, Mark 11:12–26, Ps 112, Pro 23:13–15

The Word for Today is authored by Bob and Debby Gass and published under licence from UCB International Copyright ©