Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Becoming Like Christ – Day 19 – Deuteronomy 4:9 – Watch Yourself Closely – Growing As Disciples
Only be careful, and watch yourselves closely so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen or let them slip from your heart as long as you live. Teach them to your children and to their children after them. Deuteronomy 4:9 (NIV)
Be Careful And Watch
Well, I did it again. You did what again? I thought and spoke and acted in ways that I regret. I’m quite sure that my thoughts and words and actions were not pleasing to you. How so? I was argumentative. I was combative. I was opinionated. Most of all, I was overbearing. None of this behavior is acceptable to me, nor to you, I’m sure. I can hardly believe that I fell into the trap of allowing myself to become so passionately involved on a topic that I was not at all careful with my thoughts, words and actions. That is quite a trap, isn’t it? Yes, it is. It is good that you are evaluating your behavior. It is good that you are willing to admit your mistakes. It is very good that you are confessing your sin. Yes, that is exactly what I am doing. I am confessing my sin to you. I’m sorry that I let my thoughts and words and actions get carried away in the heat of the moment. It is as if I have forgotten so much of what you have taught me. That is what I find most disappointing. I can see that in you.
But there is good news. What’s that? You have not forgotten what I have taught you. You are learning from your mistakes. You are evaluating your behavior. You are taking a hard look at your thoughts and words and deeds. You are confessing your sin. You are receiving my forgiveness. You will be careful and watch yourself more closely the next time. That, I will. You can be sure of that. Of that, I have no doubt. There is one more thing that you are learning. What’s that? This was a stumble. This was a mistake. This was a sin that you have confessed. You have received my forgiveness. Now you are determined to continue on with me. You are learning to move forward with me. You are not falling under condemnation. You are not becoming discouraged and depressed. You are gladly and joyfully continuing to live the life I have called you to live. Yes, I am. That is very good.
What would you like to teach others about your experience? I would like to teach others about being careful and watching closely one’s thoughts and words and actions. I would like to teach others how helpful it is to take time to evaluate one’s behavior. Most of all, I would like to teach others the importance of confessing a sin and receiving forgiveness from you. I would like others to know that you forgive sin and cleanse unrighteousness. I would like others to know that you are ready to help them to continue to walk on the path of life with you. Yes, I am. That is very good.
Lord, I know I need to be careful to watch myself. I know I must not forget what I have heard and seen and learned as I have followed you. Help me to remember all you have taught me. Guard me from slipping. Help me to teach others what you have taught me. Amen
Key Question… When do you take time to evaluate how you have thought, spoken or acted during the course of your day?
Living It Out… Closely watch that you do not forget all that you have heard and seen and learned as a follower of Christ.
Seeing It Happen… Have faith that the Lord will help you to remember all that you have heard and seen and learned as a follower of Christ.
Get Ready To Share… Share with another person or your small group how you are being careful to remember all you learned in Christ.
Prayer To Bless Others… May you remember and teach others what the Lord has taught you.
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