[Short Sermon} The Joy of Stopping Bad Things | Daily Devotion

April 24, 2025 (Thursday) The Joy of Stopping Bad Things
"Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him." (1 John 2:15)
We often regard self-control as something painful, as giving up something. But the Bible teaches us that self-control is actually the beginning of blessing.
In the book "Lifting Up the Lord First," it is written: "Let us escape from the corruption of lust that exists in the world and become partakers of the divine nature. Do not dishonor Christ by living an unrestrained, worldly, and sensual life." Why do we need self-control? It is so that we may eat and live by the bread of life. Without self-control, we cannot properly taste the bread of life that God gives us daily. Just as we cannot taste subtle flavors after eating too much spicy food, when our spiritual taste buds are dulled by worldly things, we cannot experience God's goodness.
How can we taste God's goodness if we do not stop our bad thoughts, bad habits, and bad attitudes? Whether in work, relationships, or recreation, how can we know the taste of the bread of life that only God can give while living without self-control? When we are captivated by worldly thoughts and sensual desires, we cannot feel God's presence no matter how much we sing praises or worship. This is precisely why self-control is necessary. Self-control is not simply giving up something, but preparation for receiving greater blessings.
Therefore, self-control is not pain but joy. It is experiencing God's great blessing by giving up the small pleasures of the world. This is the true joy of stopping bad things.
Lord of love, lead us to experience the joy of stopping bad things and restore our spiritual taste buds so that we may live fully tasting the bread of life that You give us. We pray in Jesus' name. Amen.

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