14 I have given them Your word, and the world has hated them because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world.

15 I do not ask that You take them out of the world, but that You keep them from the evil one.

— John 17:14-15

7 Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap.

8 For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life.

— Galatians 6:7-8

For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

— Romans 6:23

13 When the Spirit of truth comes, He will guide you into all the truth, for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak, and will declare to you the things that are to come.

14 He will glorify Me, for He will take what is Mine and declare it to you.

— John 16:13-14

Thoughts on Today’s Reading

Grace, mercy and salvation from Christ to you.

Sin costs much more than we realize. We live in a world that claims we deserve to please ourselves above all else. While most people recognize that their choices impact others, few acknowledge the concept of sin and personal accountability to God. Even believers can readily excuse and tolerate personal complacency. Nevertheless we truly should be responsible when convicted of sin. The Scriptures clearly obliterates our excuses and reveals sin that lurks within us.

God calls and saves us, His people, to live differently than the world. He says that though He would not take us out of the world, we are not of the world. God provided us a way to please Him according to His heart. And the Bible explains to us God’s righteous standards and His way of salvation. The Holy Spirit’s purifying work renews, and transforms a believer’s will and actions so that pleasing God matters more than personal interests. Spiritual maturity brings an increased understanding of sin’s seriousness and God’s provision to enable believers to live in growing holiness.