Insight for Today
A Daily Devotional by Pastor Chuck Swindoll

Do you realize that God has a sure-cure solution to worry? Has anyone ever told you that if you perfect the process, you will be able to live a worry-free existence?

Americans did not invent the idea of freedom. Even though we have fought wars for it and built monuments to it, it is not original with us. It began with God, way back in the Garden of Eden when He made Adam and Eve.

The word “pleasures” doesn't sound very hostile, does it? Maybe not in our English language, but the Greek word is the one from which we get “hedonism.”

It is one thing for us to survive the blows of a world that is hostile to the things of Christ, but to be in disharmony with one another, fighting and arguing among ourselves—unthinkable.

If you and I are ever going to get involved in sharing the joys of knowing and walking with Christ, we must come to terms with the fact that people without Christ in their lives are lost—absolutely and undeniably L-O-S-T.

Ours is an arduous, long, and sometimes tedious journey through Cesspool Cosmos. And, observe, it is a walk, not a sprint.

Trials and tests come that impact our patience and give it a chance to grow (do they ever!). As patience begins to develop, strong character is cultivated, moving us ever onward toward maturity.

As a young scholar, Paul had won bragging rights over all his peers. His heritage, his schooling, his accomplishments, his zeal, his position, his passion were all part of his being groomed for a seat on the Supreme Court of the Jews, the Sanhedrin.

All this leads me to a terribly important subject I have been wanting to address. I’m unable to restrain myself any longer . . . and I especially have in mind those of you who can’t stand coming in second because you face a great temptation.

The problem is that human achievement results in earthly rewards, which fuels the fire for more achievement leading to greater rewards. “Problem . . . what problem?” you may ask.

I am reminded of three categories of special people and how we are to respond to them. First, there are still a few Timothys left on earth, thank goodness.

Since none of us is a whole, independent, self-sufficient, super-capable, all-powerful hotshot, let’s quit acting like we are. Life’s lonely enough without our playing that silly role.

Old habits are terribly hard to break. As soon as you attempt to bring some necessary balance into your life, you are going to have a fight on your hands.

We need to model lives that are not like the majority. A positive attitude makes a major statement in our “crooked and perverse generation.” We don’t need to shout it out or make a super pious appearance; just don’t grumble or dispute.

As I consider Paul’s counsel, three practical ideas emerge that may help us cultivate an unselfish attitude. First, never let selfishness or conceit be your motive. Thais right, never. That is Paul’s advice, isn’t it?

As I have pored over Luke’s descriptions and observations, looking for insights into the Savior’s life, I have been intrigued by His responses to others. How could any man be as patient as He was? How could He keep His cool under constant fire? How could He demonstrate so much grace, so much compassion, and at the same time so much determination?

So many live their lives too dependent on others. Such clinging vines draw most, if not all, of their energy from another. Not only is this unhealthy for the clinger, but it also drains too much energy from the clingee!

When we arrive at dilemmas in life and are unable to decipher the right direction to go, if we hope to maintain our joy in the process, we must (repeat must) allow the Lord to be our Guide, our Strength, our Wisdom—our all! It

When Christ becomes our central focus—our reason for existence—contentment replaces our anxiety as well as our fears and insecurities. This cannot help but impact three of the most prevalent joy stealers in all of life.

Those are the words of a man whose image was secure and whose reputation was not in need of being protected, massaged, or defended. His mind was firmly fixed on essentials, so much so that nothing brought him anxiety.