The Incarnation and the Exultation: An Advent Devotional - Tuesday, Second Week of Advent - The Redeemer and Judge
To the Ends of the Earth: Character – Week 3, Day 4 - Discipline Must Be Uncompromising
Photo by Florian Olivo on Unsplash
The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.
1 Corinthians 15:56–58
When it comes to living out the Gospel before the world, we cannot compromise. Each of us must overcome the temptations that assail us every day. Even a small, seemingly “innocent” sin is like a tiny weed in the garden of our souls. Before long, it can take over our lives and choke out the light of grace, rendering us ineffective as Christians. When sin comes knocking, we must submit ourselves to God without delay. When we linger over sin, even something that seems small, we risk allowing it to gain a foothold in our lives.
Thankfully, because Jesus has gone to the cross on our behalf, we have all we need to say no to temptation and sin. The daily discipline of prayer, uncompromising devotion to the cause of Christ, and the strength of the sacraments can help us remain steadfast in our faith. And every time we fail, we can confess our sin and receive absolution and freedom from guilt. It is a daily commitment; and as we endure, we can help others to remain uncompromising in their faith as well.
Questions for Reflection
Do you compromise with bad habits or “little” sins in your daily life? What sins and sinful habits are interfering with your walk and your witness?
What is one thing you can do today to submit your life and your actions to the power of Christ’s cross? Where is Jesus asking you to be uncompromising in living for him?
How can you walk with other men to help them stand firm in their faith?
Praying with Scripture
Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. (Jas 4:7)
You can learn more about the To the Ends of the Earth Series HERE
You can watch and listen to this devotion HERE
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About the Author
Mark C. McCann is an author and Ministry Consultant with more than 30 years of writing and ministry experience. He has published articles for a number of Catholic magazines and websites including St. Anthony Messenger, Emmanuel Magazine, Liguorian Magazine, Catholic Stand, the Connecticut Catholic Men's Conference, and Homiletic and Pastoral Review. He recently published the 4-volume Catholic men's devotional, To the Ends of the Earth, as well as the 2021 Advent Daybreaks devotional and 2022 Lenten Daybreaks devotional with Liguori Publishing. He has also released his End Times novel series, Jacob's Dream: The Vision and Jacob's Dream: The Final Battle. He was a radio host and producer for 8 years at a Connecticut Christian radio station and has worked as a Catholic religion teacher/campus minister and a parish youth minister. He has also served the Norwich, CT Diocese as a Youth Ministry Director and Family Life Director. He currently lives in Connecticut with his Proverbs 31 wife, where together they have brought up three incredible children. He strives each day to live out his call to be a man of words. You can learn more about Mark and his writing at www.wordsnvisions.com.
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