Realigning Character to Reflect God's Glory

Devotional

Day 1: Love as a Reflection of God's Glory

True love is patient, kind, and devoid of envy. It blesses those who curse us and prays for those who spitefully use us. This kind of love is a powerful testimony to the world and reveals the heart of God. Love is not just an emotion but an action that reflects the character of God. When we love our enemies and those who mistreat us, we demonstrate a love that is beyond human capability, a love that can only come from God. This love is patient, kind, and does not envy. It is a love that blesses those who curse us and prays for those who spitefully use us. This kind of love is a powerful testimony to the world and reveals the heart of God. [07:36]

Bible Passage: "But I say to you who hear, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you." (Luke 6:27-28 ESV)

Reflection: Think of someone who has wronged you or whom you find difficult to love. How can you show them the love of Christ today, even in a small way?

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Day 2: Forgiveness and Peace in Relationships

Our relationships should be marked by peace and endless forgiveness. Romans 12:17-21 and Matthew 18:21-22 teach us to live peaceably with all and repay no one evil for evil. This reflects God's grace and mercy in our lives. Forgiveness is not just a one-time act but a continual process. It means letting go of grudges and choosing to live in peace with others. When we forgive, we reflect the grace and mercy that God has shown us. This kind of forgiveness is not easy, but it is essential for maintaining healthy relationships and living in harmony with others. [11:59]

Bible Passage: "Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all." (Romans 12:17-18 ESV)

Reflection: Is there someone you need to forgive today? Ask God to help you release any bitterness and extend His peace and forgiveness to that person.

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Day 3: Honoring Authority

We are called to honor our parents and submit to governing authorities, as all authority is appointed by God. This includes our bosses and government leaders, except when their commands contradict God's word. This submission glorifies God and reflects our trust in His sovereignty. Honoring authority is not always easy, especially when we disagree with those in power. However, the Bible teaches us that all authority is appointed by God, and by honoring them, we are ultimately honoring God. This does not mean we blindly follow commands that contradict God's word, but it does mean we show respect and submission in our attitudes and actions. [19:20]

Bible Passage: "Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God." (Romans 13:1 ESV)

Reflection: Think about your attitude towards authority figures in your life. How can you show them respect and honor, even when you disagree with them?

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Day 4: Diligence in Work

Our work should be done heartily as unto the Lord, and diligence in our tasks brings blessings and opportunities. Proverbs highlights that diligence always brings reward, and this principle applies to all areas of our lives. Diligence in our work is not just about being busy but about being faithful and committed to the tasks God has given us. When we work diligently, we honor God and open ourselves up to His blessings and opportunities. This principle applies not just to our jobs but to all areas of our lives, including our relationships, ministries, and personal growth. [28:54]

Bible Passage: "Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ." (Colossians 3:23-24 ESV)

Reflection: Reflect on your work habits. Are you working diligently as unto the Lord? What changes can you make to ensure you are giving your best in all you do?

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Day 5: Power of Words

Our speech should be gracious and seasoned with salt, avoiding complaints and disputes. Philippians 2:14-16 and James 1:26 caution us against harmful speech, as it can make us part of the problem rather than the solution. The words we speak have the power to build up or tear down. The Bible teaches us to use our words wisely, to avoid complaining and disputing, and to speak with grace and kindness. When we control our tongues, we can be a positive influence and a source of encouragement to others. Our speech should reflect the love and wisdom of Christ, bringing light and hope to those around us. [31:09]

Bible Passage: "Do all things without grumbling or disputing, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world." (Philippians 2:14-15 ESV)

Reflection: Consider your recent conversations. Are your words building others up or tearing them down? How can you be more intentional about speaking with grace and kindness today?

Sermon Summary

### Summary

Today, we explored the concept of a spiritual "chiropractic adjustment," focusing on realigning our character to reflect the glory of God. Our actions, while not the basis of our salvation, are the outflow of what God has done within us. We delved into six key areas where our character can reveal God's glory: love, relationships, response to authority, work, words, and service.

1. Love: We examined 1 Corinthians 13 and the call to love our enemies, emphasizing that our love should be patient, kind, and devoid of envy. True love blesses those who curse us and prays for those who spitefully use us.
2. Relationships: Romans 12:17-21 and Matthew 18:21-22 teach us to live peaceably with all, repay no one evil for evil, and forgive endlessly. Our relationships should be marked by peace and forgiveness.
3. Response to Authority: Colossians 3:20-22 and Romans 13:1-2 remind us to honor our parents and submit to governing authorities, as all authority is appointed by God. This includes our bosses and government leaders, except when their commands contradict God's word.
4. Work: 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12 and Proverbs highlight the importance of diligence. Our work should be done heartily as unto the Lord, and diligence in our tasks brings blessings and opportunities.
5. Words: Philippians 2:14-16 and James 1:26 caution us against complaining and disputing. Our speech should be gracious and seasoned with salt, avoiding accusations against leaders without proper evidence.
6. Service: Philippians 2:3-4 and Matthew 20:25-28 call us to serve others selflessly, esteeming others better than ourselves. True service reveals Christ to the world and brings profound impact.

In closing, we shared a personal story illustrating the power of diligence and service in transforming difficult situations into blessings. This story serves as a testament to how our character, when aligned with God's principles, can lead to miraculous outcomes.

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Key Takeaways

1. 21 and Matthew 18:21-22 teach us to live peaceably with all and repay no one evil for evil. This reflects God's grace and mercy in our lives. [11:59]
3. Honoring Authority: We are called to honor our parents and submit to governing authorities, as all authority is appointed by God. This includes our bosses and government leaders, except when their commands contradict God's word. This submission glorifies God and reflects our trust in His sovereignty.

4. Diligence in Work: Our work should be done heartily as unto the Lord, and diligence in our tasks brings blessings and opportunities. Proverbs highlights that diligence always brings reward, and this principle applies to all areas of our lives.

5. Power of Words: Our speech should be gracious and seasoned with salt, avoiding complaints and disputes. Philippians 2:14-16 and James 1:26 caution us against harmful speech, as it can make us part of the problem rather than the solution.

### [11:59]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[01:09] - Introduction to Chiropractic Adjustment
[02:46] - Character Checkup
[03:42] - Scriptural Basis for Character
[04:41] - Outflow of God's Work in Us
[05:33] - Conduct Honorable Among Gentiles
[06:19] - Love as a Reflection of God's Glory
[07:36] - Love Your Enemies
[08:47] - Honor All People
[09:37] - Relationships and Forgiveness
[10:32] - Repay No One Evil for Evil
[11:14] - Perfect Forgiveness
[11:59] - Response to Authority
[12:44] - Honoring Parents
[13:27] - Obeying Bosses
[14:25] - Dunning-Kruger Effect
[16:09] - Learning from Authority
[17:36] - Obeying Bosses with Sincerity
[19:20] - Submission to Government
[20:21] - Exception to Submission
[21:41] - Checkup, Not Condemnation
[22:11] - Work and Diligence
[22:56] - Aspire to Lead a Quiet Life
[24:02] - Willingness to Work
[24:58] - Example of Unwillingness to Work
[26:13] - Definition of Diligence
[27:46] - Promises of Diligence
[28:54] - Diligence Brings Reward
[29:43] - Employer's Perspective on Diligence
[30:14] - Power of Words
[31:09] - Avoid Complaining and Disputing
[31:54] - Tactics to Avoid Complaining
[32:46] - Destructive Nature of Complaining
[33:43] - Effective Communication
[34:19] - Bridling the Tongue
[35:28] - Accusations Against Leaders
[36:22] - Careful Reception of Accusations
[37:15] - Response to Correction
[38:28] - Loving Instruction
[39:09] - Receiving Correction
[39:52] - Heeding Counsel
[40:27] - Service to Others
[41:08] - Esteeming Others Better
[41:35] - Serving Like Jesus
[42:16] - Serving the Least of These
[42:49] - Power of a Serving Heart
[43:30] - Example of a Diligent Employee
[44:06] - Impact of Genuine Service
[45:15] - Serving in the Workplace
[46:14] - Anticipating Needs
[46:47] - Testimony of Service
[47:18] - Feeling Like a Friend
[47:51] - Fun Story: Financial Struggle
[48:30] - Miracles and Diligence
[49:02] - Derek's Journey
[49:36] - Diligence in Education
[50:08] - Faithfulness in Work
[50:42] - Working at a Kiosk
[51:12] - Financial Struggles
[51:45] - Dream of User Experience Design
[52:15] - Sacrifice and Diligence
[52:45] - Miraculous Provision
[53:17] - Using Time Wisely
[53:47] - Genuine Service in Sales
[54:20] - Impact of Genuine Service
[54:50] - Job Proposition
[55:23] - Initial Skepticism
[55:56] - Realizing the Opportunity
[56:23] - Multi-Billion Dollar Company
[56:57] - Reasons for Job Offer
[57:39] - Immediate Challenges
[58:11] - Responding to Criticism
[58:44] - Keeping Integrity
[59:17] - Seeking Counsel
[59:49] - Turning Criticism into Advocacy
[60:26] - Importance of Diligence and Service
[60:59] - Prayer and Encouragement
[61:32] - Closing Prayer

Bible Study Guide

Observation Questions

According to 1 Corinthians 13, what are the characteristics of true love? How does this love differ from worldly love?
In Romans 12:17-21, what actions are we instructed to take towards our enemies? How does this reflect God's character?
Philippians 2:3-4 calls us to value others above ourselves. What practical steps can we take to live out this command in our daily lives?
The sermon mentioned six key areas where our character can reveal God's glory. Can you list these areas and provide a brief description of each? [05:33]

Interpretation Questions

How does the concept of a "spiritual chiropractic adjustment" help us understand the process of aligning our character with God's principles? [01:52]
Why is it important to love our enemies and pray for those who spitefully use us, as mentioned in the sermon? How does this reflect the heart of God? [07:36]
What does it mean to honor all people, including those in authority, and how does this submission glorify God? [19:20]
How does diligence in our work and service reveal Christ to the world, and what are the potential outcomes of such diligence? [28:54]

Application Questions

Reflect on your current relationships. Is there someone you need to forgive or make peace with? How can you take a step towards reconciliation this week? [11:59]
Think about your response to authority figures in your life, such as parents, bosses, or government leaders. Are there areas where you struggle with submission? How can you honor them while staying true to God's word? [19:20]
Evaluate your work ethic. Are you diligent in your tasks, doing them heartily as unto the Lord? What changes can you make to improve your diligence and integrity at work? [28:54]
Consider your speech. Do you find yourself complaining or disputing often? What practical steps can you take to ensure your words are gracious and seasoned with salt? [31:09]
Reflect on your service to others. Are you esteeming others better than yourself and looking out for their interests? Identify one person you can serve selflessly this week and plan a specific action to bless them. [41:08]
Think about a difficult situation you are currently facing. How can you apply the principles of diligence and service to transform this situation into a blessing? [48:30]
Reflect on the personal story shared in the sermon about the power of diligence and service. How can you apply the lessons from this story to your own life, especially in areas where you feel discouraged or burnt out? [49:02]

Sermon Clips

### Quotes for Outreach

1. "Our behavior is the outflow of what God has done in us. That's the chiropractic adjustment. Everything that comes to us, everything that comes out of us is as a result of the work that he has done in us. And we seek to honor him in the way that we behave, in the way that we treat others, because of who we are. We are being true to who God has made us to be." [04:41] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "Love your enemies. Is there anyone that hates you? Do good to them. Is there anyone cursing you in your life right now? Are you blessing them? They're cursing you and you bless them. Is there anyone who is spitefully using you right now? Are you praying for them? Man, I just have to sit with that for a minute. Love your enemies. Bless the very person that curses you." [07:36] (57 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "Honor is to recognize the value of a thing and treat it accordingly. Because you see, Jesus has completely changed the litmus test. We no longer treat people according to how they have treated us. We treat them according to his love for them. We treat them because his gospel is at hand and the door is closing. We cannot spend time judging and treating people according to the way that they behave." [09:37] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "Do all things without complaining and disputing, that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, holding fast the word of life. Do all things without complaining and disputing, that. That you may become blameless and harmless." [30:14] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests but also for the interests of others. Matthew 20.25-28. Jesus called them to himself and he said, Do you know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord their authority over others and those who are great exercise that authority over them? It shall not be that way among you." [41:08] (45 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

### Quotes for Members

1. "Our actions have nothing to do with our status before God, right? We talk about this all the time. We are saved by the blood of Jesus Christ, not by the things that we do, not by the things we've done wrong, not by the things we do right. We are saved by him. We are saved by him. But many, many times, in scripture, we're told who you are needs to be flowing out of you in the way that you behave." [02:46] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "We no longer treat people according to how they have treated us. We treat them according to his love for them. We treat them because his gospel is at hand and the door is closing. We cannot spend time judging and treating people according to the way that they behave. There's just no time for that. Christ is at hand and the time is short. Honor all people." [09:37] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "If you're trying to reveal Jesus and witness to people and you're terrible at your job, what does that say about Jesus? I'm not talking about you. I'm not talking about being perfect. That's not what I'm talking about. I'm not talking about doing everything right. I'm not talking about never making a mistake. That's not what I'm talking about. But are you paying attention to actually just doing good work? Because that reveals Jesus." [17:36] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "Diligence always brings reward always. And I know for myself as an employer, the diligence stand out who here's an employer. Doesn't the diligence stand out the people that show up to work every day that do their work day in and day out that accept the mundane as a part of what they have to do and do it cheerfully and consistently. You feel like promoting those people, right? You feel like promoting those people." [28:54] (40 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "Complaining is the subconscious assumption that there is absolutely nothing you can do about the problem. It is partnering with the assumption that you can do something about the problem. That there is nothing to be done. And it immediately makes you a victim. And then it spirals into bitterness. And it becomes a whole cesspool of bitterness as everyone talks to each other about what's wrong, what's wrong, what's wrong, what's wrong, what's wrong." [32:46] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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Transcript

What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?

Were there any personal stories shared?