How can Christians today avoid becoming like those who "devour" God's people? Setting the Scene Psalm 14:4: “Will the workers of iniquity never learn? Those who devour My people like bread and refuse to call upon the LORD.” The picture is stark: people so hardened that they “eat” God’s people as casually as bread. Scripture says they do this because they “refuse to call upon the LORD.” The antidote, then, is a life that continually turns to Him. Recognize the Danger Signs • Treating people as obstacles or tools rather than image–bearers (Genesis 1:27). • Growing comfortable with gossip, slander, or harsh criticism (James 3:9-10). • Valuing personal advancement over the welfare of fellow believers (Philippians 2:3-4). • Neglecting prayer and worship, which slowly hardens the heart (Hebrews 3:12-13). Guard the Heart First • Daily invite the Spirit to search motives (Psalm 139:23-24). • Keep short accounts with God: confess sin immediately (1 John 1:9). • Memorize passages that celebrate love and unity—Galatians 5:13-15; 1 Corinthians 13; Colossians 3:12-14. Cultivate Compassionate Speech Ephesians 4:29: “Let no unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building up the one in need.” Practical steps: – Pause before speaking: “Is this true? Is it kind? Is it necessary?” – Replace criticism with intercession; pray for the person you’re tempted to tear down. – Publicly encourage others; private praise starves the appetite to “devour.” Engage in Humble Service Mark 10:45 shows Jesus serving rather than lording over. Follow His pattern: • Volunteer for unseen tasks—chairs stacked, floors swept, rides given. • Give credit away; celebrate another’s success. • Seek out those on the fringe of the church family and include them (Romans 12:13). Stay Connected to the Body Hebrews 10:24-25 urges believers to meet together “all the more.” Isolation breeds contempt; fellowship fosters empathy. • Join a small group where authenticity is normal. • Invite accountability—ask trusted friends to confront devouring attitudes quickly. Submit to God’s Word Daily Psalm 1:2-3 promises stability to the one who delights in the Law. Regular, prayerful reading softens the heart and reshapes desires. Suggestions: – Read a Gospel chapter daily to keep Christ’s example front-and-center. – Journal insights and applications; obedience grows when truth is personalized. Choose Repentance Quickly When the Spirit exposes a devouring moment: 1. Agree with God—it’s sin. 2. Seek forgiveness from anyone harmed (Matthew 5:23-24). 3. Make restitution if needed. Prompt repentance stops small sins from maturing into entrenched habits. Walk in the Spirit, Reject the Flesh Galatians 5 contrasts “biting and devouring” with the fruit of the Spirit. Consciously yield: • Start the day by surrendering plans to the Spirit’s control. • End the day reviewing where His nudges were obeyed or ignored. • Expect His power; the command to love comes with enabling grace (Philippians 4:13). Live in Light of Christ’s Return 1 John 3:2-3: “And everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure.” Remembering we will soon stand before Jesus fuels urgency to love, not devour. Keep eternity in view, and present relationships gain holy weight. By leaning into these practices—prayer, Scripture, fellowship, service, Spirit-dependence—believers starve the appetite to devour and instead become agents of healing in the family of God. |
    |