Daily Devotion

Saturday, March 19, 2026  

Today's Scripture
Luke 3:11

Whoever has two coats must share with anyone who has none, and whoever has food must do likewise.

Reflection

My mom used to talk about the devil like he lived next door, and from her daily observations of his antics, he was one busy guy. But from Mom’s observations, it was clear that he wasn’t plotting the overthrow of sovereign nations, building nuclear arsenals, or working out the logistics of global drug trafficking. No, the devil Mom kept an eye on had his sights set much lower: fomenting discord in families, stirring up petty skirmishes at work, and perhaps above all, driving wedges of distrust and complacency between Christians within communities of faith.

Today, the rationales for starting new wars, oppressing the world’s most vulnerable people, and ignoring decades of diplomacy and goodwill, while excusing the abuses of the rich and powerful, seem almost impossible to understand. Mom, however, would say that today’s headlines are merely the logical outcome of generations being encouraged to live for their own ends while so many go without the fulfillment of basic needs such as food, clothing, and shelter.

I don’t want to sound naive or Pollyannish. I know there are considerations and nuances that add layers of complexity to addressing the many conflicts in our world today, but Mom knew that making people feel inept and powerless to effect change is perhaps the tool that Satan uses most effectively. And if Christians can’t find enough love and unity to make a difference in their communities, there’s little chance our light will ever shine as brightly as the world needs.

The Gospels teach us that peace between people begins with regarding others at least as highly as we regard ourselves, and that making a difference in someone’s life can begin with offering as little as a cup of cold water, a spare coat, or a meal. It’s time to recommit ourselves to being the salt and light this world needs.

Prayer

Lord, please help each of us to hasten the arrival of your kingdom in our time by not settling for complacency and helplessness, but, rather, give us the courage to do the good that’s ours to do now. In Christ’s name we pray. Amen.

Written by John Marr, Member of Fourth Presbyterian Church

Reflection and prayer © Fourth Presbyterian Church

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