Project Passion I

Today I started a six-day devotional plan on the Bible app by YouVersion, the one authored by John Piper entitled Living in the Light : Money, Sex, and Power.

Honestly, my spiritual life was on comatose. I knew that I was spiritually drained and being pulled by the world. Day one of this plan had helped me find out why — sin.

In this plan, Piper says that sin, according to Romans 1, starts in the heart, a heart that prefers anything above God such as money, sex, and power. So, I quickly checked my heart. Sadly, it was deceived by the world. I was under idolatry without even noticing.

However, Piper also discussed that these things are created also by God to be used to worship Him. I had quickly changed my perspective. Money may be used to bless people; power may be used to lead people to Christ; sex may be used to celebrate marriage in light of God’s glory.

I was reminded by my life verse last 2014.

“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is — his good, pleasing and perfect will.” Romans‬ ‭12:2‬ ‭NIV

These are the two reflection questions asked in the devotion plan, and here are my answers:

• Think over the way you have felt, thought and acted in regard to money, sex, and power in the last 24 hours… week… month…. What does that suggest about what you are treasuring?

Honestly, these past few days, I was frustrated, sad, and angry with the things happenning around me — work, relationships, etc.

I thought about my salary being payed later than I expected and got secretly angry with my employer.

I thought about having control with my future and worrying what I might become if I do not move fast. I became rude at home because I do not get what I want.

I am tempted and gave in a thousand times already with this sin about lust.

Clearly, I was treasuring all those three in ways that God does not want me to.

• What would it look like for you to use power, money, and sex to display the supreme worth of God’s glory?

I believe I will acquire the thing I was lacking these past few weeks — JOY. I miss having joy in my life. The joy I have as I do the work of God and seek His presence. Using these three in light of God’s glory will bring joy, peace, and love that overflows from the One true source — Jesus Christ. I would never want to be astray again.

Thank You, Jesus. You have found me again.