Session 30

Are you going through the motions?

From 1 Corinthians: A 35-Day Devotional

It’s easy to live life just going through the motions. We have all experienced moments when we drive to the grocery store, pick the kids up from school, or come to the end of the day and wonder, “How did I get here?” It takes intentional effort to be present in our everyday routines.

If we’re not careful our relationship with Jesus can become a predictable routine.

If we’re not careful our relationship with Jesus can become a predictable routine. We have to fight against tuning out familiar songs or passively listening to well-known sermon topics. It’s essential to take a step back and remember the “why” behind “what” we are doing.

The Gospel is simply this: Jesus died for our sins, was buried in a tomb, and came back to life three days later. This is incredible news! If our affection for Jesus isn’t based on the reality of these events, following Jesus can become a lifestyle choice or a passing fancy.

In Acts 9:1-19, when Jesus intervened in Paul’s life, Paul turned from persecuting Christians to preaching the Gospel. At the moment of salvation, God put His Holy Spirit in Paul’s heart. Paul’s relationship with Jesus compelled him to advance the Gospel by preaching (1 Corinthians 15:10). Jesus’ presence changed who Paul was from the inside out. As Christians, we too have the Holy Spirit living inside us compelling us to be more like Jesus by taking next steps.

Routines are not bad, but we have to be careful not to replace our relationship with Jesus with routine. To break routines, we can ask Jesus to stir our affections for Him daily. Jesus wants a growing and personal relationship with each and every one of His children. It’s through that relationship that we begin to live out the calling He has for us.

Reflect:

• What is one way that the Gospel is changing you? If you’ve never asked Jesus into your life, you can do that today.
• Is there any area of your life where you have substituted your relationship with Jesus for a routine? What is one thing you need to start or stop doing to refocus on your relationship with Jesus?