Devotional Reading: Romans 14: 1-12

Text: If we live, we live unto the Lord, and if w le die, we die into the Lord; so then, whether we live or whether we die, we belong to the Lord. (Vss. 7&8)

“I can do whatever I want because it is my life, not yours!” 

That statement generally precedes a bad decision. And, it is only partially true. For the most part, you are free to make a bad decision. But, your life is not your own. It belongs to Another. The apostle Paul reminded the Corinthian community that they do not belong to themselves. Rather, they had been purchased–redeemed–for a price by Jesus Christ. (I Corinthians 6:19-20)

It was with this understanding of who he was, or rather Whose he was, that empowered Paul to write to the church community in Rome; “If we live unto the Lord, and if we die we die unto the Lord; so whether we live or whether we die we belong to the Lord.”

You belong to God because God created you in the divine image. You are precious to God. God has a purpose for your life. You are not an accident or an oops no matter what anyone tells you. The decisions that you make are your thank you note to God for the gift of life.

Lord, remind me over and over again that I belong to You, that I am precious in Your sight, and there is a purpose for me. Let me feel the embrace of Your love. Amen.