Wednesday, July 3, 2024
My friend Doug hosted a sleepover for six of us in May 1994. As the night began, we balled on his driveway court, played Super Nintendo, and watched Menace II Society (the title speaks for itself) on VHS. Next, we did what any six teenage boys (ages 13-15) would do at a sleepover — we snuck out and roamed the streets because the “Too Old for Us” movie encouraged us to be menaces to society.
We were teenagers having fun, but we chose to break the rule about not leaving Doug’s yard. We weren’t looking to fight, vandalize, or steal, but our group was noisy and verbally tough after midnight. Nothing good happens after midnight (something I tell my kids) unless you play board games at your CedarCreek Findlay Campus group. Our rule-breaking misstep resulted in someone calling the cops. After running, we escaped trouble by hiding in a cornfield but we didn’t all get away unscathed. Some continued to break the rules. And today, as a result, they are living outside of their purpose.
The Bible is full of truths showcasing God’s people breaking the rules. One of the most intriguing stories is of Samson and his remarkable strength.
Judges 14:8-9
8 Later, when he returned to Timnah for the wedding, he turned off the path to look at the carcass of the lion. And he found that a swarm of bees had made some honey in the carcass. 9 He scooped some of the honey into his hands and ate it along the way. He also gave some to his father and mother, and they ate it. But he didn’t tell them he had taken the honey from the carcass of the lion.
As a Nazarite, Samson was forbidden to touch anything dead or consume unclean food.(Numbers 6:1-21) Samson broke the rules, and the satisfaction that came with it made it easier to stray from God’s plan. Although our choices may seem inconsequential during the moment, they can significantly impact the long-term trajectory of our lives.
God filled Samson with his spirit and the strength to conquer the lion. He can do that for you, but can you continue to humbly show and share God's goodness with others? Samson had the right idea, but his immaturity and execution broke God’s law. God has already equipped you with spiritual gifts. Be mature about using them.
Questions:
Have you discovered your purpose? Does the cycle of past mistakes make you shy away from your purpose?
Next Steps:
Download the CedarCreek App and engage with the daily section to grow spiritually. Attend Growth Track to learn about your spiritual gifts and discover how to use them for God’s glory.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, I’ve been humble in my approach, but I don’t always follow your rules or your path. I pray for focus and mindfulness as you continue to lead me as designed. I pray for patience as I follow you because I understand my time differs from yours. Amen.
Series Theme Verse:
Psalm 37:3-4
3 Trust in the Lord and do good. Then you will live safely in the land and prosper. 4 Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you your heart’s desires.
This post was written by Jaron Camp, a regular contributor to the LivingItOut Devotional.