Thursday's Thought

A Weekly Inspirational Message

"Something to help you through the remainder of the week."

Thursday, July 13, 2006

Deteriorate

To diminish or impair in quality, character, or value.

GROOVE NOT RUT

Groove (to be in a settled routine enables one to enjoy an activity that one is especially well suited) must not deteriorate into a rut (a habitual, often tiresome routine or course of action). Religious services that continue week after week, month after month, and year after year, must not become a tiresome routine.

In the days of the prophet Malachi, serving God had become tiresome. God said: "You also say, 'My, how tiresome it is!' And you disdainfully sniff at it," says the Lord of hosts, "and you bring what was taken by robbery and what is lame or sick; so you bring the offering! Should I receive that from your hand?" says the Lord.

Malachi 1:13

COMFORTABLE NOT LACKADAISICAL

Comfortable (a condition or feeling of pleasurable ease and well-being) must not deteriorate into being lackadaisical (lacking spirit, liveliness, or interest; being disinclined toward any effort). The sense of well-being afforded to those who are in Christ Jesus needs to be reinvigorated daily to keep it alive and active.

The church at Sardis had deteriorated: "I know your deeds, that you have a name that you are alive, but you are dead. Wake up, and strengthen the things that remain, which were about to die; for I have not found your deeds completed in the sight of My God."

Revelation 3:1-2

CONTENT NOT COMPLACENT

Content (desiring no more than what one has; satisfied) must not deteriorate into being complacent (contented to a fault; self-satisfied and unconcerned; yielding readily to external pressure). Contentment found in Christ Jesus is truly a blessing, but it must not hinder one from "pressing on to what lies ahead."

Paul the Apostle, who had learned contentment, said: Not that I have already obtained it or have already become perfect, but I press on so that I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus.

Philippians 3:12

© 2006 Thursday’s Thoughts by Ron Adams

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