Among LionsSample

CONTEXT: King Belshazzar used gold and silver goblets taken from God’s temple in Jerusalem to toast the gods of Babylon.

READ: Daniel 5:1-23

King Belshazzar held an elaborate party for one thousand of his nobles. During the festivities, he called for the gold and silver goblets King Nebuchadnezzar had taken from God’s temple in Jerusalem to be brought in so everyone could toast to the gods of gold, silver, bronze, iron, stone, and wood.

They’re just cups. What’s the big deal? But to God, they weren’t simply insignificant items that had been stolen. They were a physical representation of God’s holiness and favor. The king was making a mockery of the God they represented. Even as the toast was happening, the writing on the wall began to appear, warning of the impending consequences.

God gives us the same warning. In Galatians 6:7, we’re reminded that God will not be mocked. What a person sows, they will reap. In other words, we can’t dishonor or disrespect God and not expect consequences.

Perhaps you think, “I would never mock or dishonor God!” We’d like to think that we’d never use God or abuse what God’s given us for our own benefit. And still, it happens all the time.

God has given each of us gifts, talents, and resources for us to use for His glory. It’s up to us to examine our motives and how we use what He’s so graciously provided. We often think of worship as singing songs on Sunday morning. But another way to honor Him is by using what God has blessed us with to bring Him honor & glory.

CONSIDER THIS:

1. Think about the abilities, talents, and resources God’s given you. How have you used them for your own glory? How can you begin to shift the focus and start using them as a way to worship God?

2. Consider your own motives. Are there areas of your life where you’ve disrespected or dishonored God with your words or actions?

3. Write a prayer asking God to help you see where you might be operating from selfish motives. Confess that to Him and invite Him to create a clean heart in you today.