Daily Devotional

Avoid using others to judge your progress in life. We are social beings and tend to follow the crowd. Also, we derive a sense of achievement from knowing that we are doing better than others, especially those within our close circle. Even among Jesus’ disciples, there were rivalries and arguments about who was the greatest. (cf. Luke 9:46, Luke 22:24). Peter wanted to know if John would have to carry a heavier cross, but this inquiry was never necessary.

We all claim to love God, but the true test of our love for God is the quality of our sacrifice. If I say I love God, am I willing to let go of everything else for His sake? Many claim to love God but are only interested in the outcome of their relationship with God. Hence, when circumstances seem to offer nothing in return, they become cold towards God.

When Paul stood before the tribunal, he immediately noticed a deep divide among those who brought him to trial. Applying the wisdom of a serpent and the innocence of a dove, Paul decided to take advantage of the division between the Pharisees and the Sadducees. Paul introduced himself as a Pharisee on trial for the issue of the resurrection of the dead. The moment he said this, there was an uproar in the assembly.