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Memberships matter. Who we connect up with tells a lot about who we are, what we value, and what others can expect from us.

The call to discipleship is pretty simple: Join Jesus!

The call is there for you right now. These next moments could reveal a lot about who you are, because of who you choose to be related to.

Listen

“All things are lawful for me,” but not all things are beneficial. “All things are lawful for me,” but I will not be dominated by anything. “Food is meant for the stomach and the stomach for food,” and God will destroy both one and the other. The body is meant not for fornication but for the Lord, and the Lord for the body. And God raised the Lord and will also raise us by his power.

1 Corinthians 6:12-14

Think

Our five year-old recently came home asking, “What are drugs?” At first I was surprised to hear him ask that at such as young age, until I remembered this was part of a school unit. I explained to him that when things hurt our minds and bodies, we shouldn’t use them. Thankfully, that seemed to satisfy him! But it got me thinking, especially since I am sure he will return with more questions. When we abuse our bodies, we harm our whole selves. On the other hand, when we use legal drugs properly, meaning medicine that is prescribed for us, it can help heal. The same substance can help restore your body when used properly, or cause great harm if used improperly.

In the same way, God created our bodies, so what we do with our bodies should honor God. For instance, while sexuality that is used improperly can hurt both ourselves and others, sexuality in the context of a loving, committed marriage is a gift from God. When we remember this, we can be encouraged to honor God with our bodies, and be thankful for all good gifts from God.

Stephanie Ezell

Pray

Dear God, thank you for caring for me, and for creating me in your image. Help me to use all the gifts you provide in right ways that please you. Amen.

Go

For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you should follow in his steps.

1 Peter 2:21