Mark Devotionals
[Please do read the passage before (or after) reading the devotion.]
Jesus gives a curious contrast. First, on the one hand he warns how even one aspect of a person can bring ruin to that person if he/she does not control it. Much like an over-fondness for food can lead to the body’s over-all ill health. Jesus’ solution? Be harsh/stern in our self-discipline with respect to that one aspect. But it’s even more dangerous when one person in a Christian fellowship by ungodly attitudes and actions causes spiritual harm to another, especially when that other person is a “spiritual child”. It just goes to show how careful we must be when it comes to others’ faith and our own sense of righteousness: we can never be over-confident in ourselves, and always trust in God instead. Then second, on the other hand, Jesus reminds us that when it comes to being a godly influence, we can never do that alone – we need other godly people in some way. Just like one grain of salt brings very little taste; you need many ‘grains’ of salt together to do that.
Prayer: Lord, save me from myself, especially when I’m over-confident in my own sense of righteousness. I know I should take nothing for granted, because the devil “prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour” (1 Peter 5:8). Not only can I cause myself spiritual harm, I can well cause it to others too. Help me too to depend completely on you, and on the other godly people you place me among, even as you use us together to influence others for your sake. May we as your ‘body’ be effective, fruitful and humble as you build your church. Amen.
