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Intention

To learn to devote ourselves to good works and have a fruitful life.

Scripture

“And let our people learn to devote themselves to good works, so as to help cases of urgent need, and not be unfruitful.”

– Titus 3:14

Reflection

In today’s world, we find ourselves deeply entrenched in the pursuit of pleasure – whether through sexual gratification, recreation, comfort, or wealth.

In her book Dopamine Nation, Anna Lembke highlights the staggering increase in highly rewarding stimuli available to us. She notes, “The smartphone is the modern-day hypodermic needle, delivering digital dopamine 24/7 for a wired generation.”

For many men in today’s churches, pornography is a significant distraction, while women often find themselves consumed by social media, spending hours in pursuit of fleeting enjoyment. Nearly everyone grapples with some form of temptation that detracts from their relationship with God.

We are not the first generation to seek pleasure above all else. The Apostle Paul provides a biblical example in his letter to Titus, where he describes the inhabitants of the island of Crete as “lazy gluttons” and “slaves to various passions and pleasures” (Titus 3:14).

Paul offers some vital advice to the Cretan Christians.

1. “Learn to devote” yourselves “to good works”. The Greek word for ‘learn’ (manthano), translates to “go to a rabbinic school”. Learning to do good is a disciplined process. It requires awareness and practice. Change doesn’t come automatically, nor is it a passive endeavour. It demands active engagement.
2. Be fruitful and productive. Time is a God-given resource, and wasting it on fleeting pleasures means neglecting our responsibility to help others. Current statistics reveal that the average adult spends 2.5 hours a day on social media. That amounts to seven years of your life (if you live to 82).
3. Learn from Jesus. In Titus 2:11–12, Paul writes, “For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. It teaches us to say ‘No’ to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in this present age.” Jesus Himself is the teacher in this school of grace. Through His death and resurrection, He offers salvation that transforms us. As we accept His forgiveness, observe His life, and learn from Him, we are drawn into a life of purpose, gratitude, and holiness.

As we navigate the temptations of today, let us commit to learning how to do good and be productive by meditating on the gift of salvation through Jesus. May we emulate Him, practising self-control and fostering accountability in our lives.

Video

Prayer

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for revealing Your precious love through Jesus. Two thousand years ago, He paid the penalty for our sins and rose triumphantly to new life, assuring us of our own eternity with You. We are grateful for His perfect self-control, demonstrated when He chose to pray, “Not my will, but Yours be done”.

May His example, powerful words, and Spirit shape our minds and hearts, helping us to forsake today’s comforts and joyfully serve others, especially those in greatest need. Let our remaining days be productive and not wasted, dedicated to Your kingdom and purposes. Teach us, Lord.

In Jesus’ name, amen.

Author Bio

Marshall Ballantine-Jones, founder of Resist Ministries and CEO of DigiHelp Publishing, specialises in research and education focusing on adolescent exposure to pornography and social media.

He has served in various Sydney parishes as an ordained Anglican minister for 26 years. He holds a PhD from the University of Sydney’s Medicine Faculty. In addition, he holds degrees in political and social thought, economics, business systems, and theology, and is a sought-after speaker, writer, trainer, and consultant.

Prayer Points and Purpose for October 2024

1. Revival and restoration of sexual integrity to renew the individual, revitalise marriages, restore families and protect children. Hebrews 13:4
2. Revival, repentance and reformation of Australia. 2 Chronicles 7:14
3. Revival, repentance and reformation of America. 2 Chronicles 7:14
4. The Lamb that was slain may receive a reward for His suffering. Revelation 5:12

We invite you to support this prayer campaign by ordering your FREE copy of Break Through: 15 Keys to Supernatural Breakthrough, a book on prayer written by Warwick Marsh. Reading this book will multiply the effectiveness of your prayers. You can make a donation to the Canberra Declaration to help pay it forward and bless someone else to receive a free copy of Break Through.

Join us for our nightly Zoom prayer call:

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Daily devotions are brought to you by the Canberra Declaration.

View October 2024 Daily Devotionals: dailydeclaration.org.au/tag/sexual-integrity-2024

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