Today’s scripture: Romans 12:14-21 (NRSV) (The Message) (KJV) What might God be saying to me?
My thoughts (Kevin Konkle):
As my son was growing up, one of his favorite cartoon shows was SpongeBob SquarePants. One of the episodes I was crazy about was “Opposite Day.” On “Opposite Day” the characters in the cartoon said exactly the opposite of what they meant, and they did the opposite of what they normally did. When SpongeBob told Patrick he hated him, of course the adorable sponge really meant he loved that pink starfish. Gary — the snail that usually meowed — barked and all sorts of mayhem and comedy sprang forth between Mr. Krabs and Plankton.
In this Scripture setting for today, it appears that God is calling us to an “Opposite Day”. When we truly mature in Christ, a counter-intuitive mindset transformation takes place. What our flesh would impulsively demand in our reactions to situations, the Spirit would remind us of a continuous opposite day in our lives. When someone curses us, the flesh reaches for some of the most hateful words we can find in response. But then the Spirit says, “Opposite Day,” so we end up blessing them. When someone betrays us and seeks to destroy us, our flesh sets about trying to set them up for exposure and failure. But then the Spirit says, “Opposite Day,” so we end up not seeking vengeance, but seeking peace.
So many things God wants us to do seems so illogical, runs against our flight or fight instincts. His ways are not our ways, but we need to try to be like Jesus. For in overcoming evil with good Jesus showed us what a real “Opposite Day” looks like when he said, “Father forgive them, for they know not what they do.” In His flesh He wanted to call 10,000 angels, but His Spirit said, not today, it’s “Opposite Day”. Just as Jesus’ “Opposite Day” experiences help improve our temporal and eternal position, so too can your “Opposite Day” experiences improve the life of others here and in eternity. Perhaps someone sees you feeding or clothing your enemy, sees you loving someone that hates you, and caring for someone who doesn’t care for you. Perhaps then they will see your good works and glorify your God who is in heaven.
Prayer for the day: Lord help me to tell my flesh that everyday is “Opposite Day” when my will conflicts with Thy will!
We encourage you to include a time of prayer with this reading. If you need a place to get started, consider the suggestions on the How to Pray page.