ASLC Devotions-Tuesday

2 Peter 2:19b-21

19 … People are slaves to whatever masters them. 20For if, after they have escaped the defilements of the world through the knowledge of our
Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled in them and overpowered, the last state has become worse for them than the first.
21For it would have been better for them never to have known the way of righteousness than, after knowing it, to turn back from the holy commandment that was passed on to them.

There are a couple of key phrases in this passage, in my opinion. First, that we are slaves to whatever masters us, I believe to be so true! The key is to have things like ‘bringing joy to others’ be one of my obsessions and perhaps lose the obsession concerning finding the perfect pair of boots. Can
it be done? Of course! But it will take all of my focus and determination and still the boot obsession will linger in the back of my mind. The point here, I believe, is that I know what I want to rule my life and can identify those items that perhaps do not belong, and that’s half the battle! The rest is up to me and my will to be a better person.

The second important phrase here is basically saying that ignorance is bliss. If I’m straying off the path of goodness but have no idea what the whole goodness thing is all about, then I really don’t know what I’m missing. However, if I’ve been exposed to God and what He has to offer me and all of us and I still stray off His path, then I’m in worse shape than the person who didn’t know God at all because I KNOW what I’m missing. Got that?! I understand the point of this passage, but I am convinced that it is better to have known God once and strayed than to never have known Him at all. Sounds like a song, doesn’t it?

Margo Ban

For more information on all of our ministries, visit http://www.allsaintspalatine.org. Remember to join us for Wednesday Lenten supper and worship. Supper at 6:15 and worship (featuring Holden Evening Prayer and drama) at 7.