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Devotional Diva -The Take Away
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“Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you: not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful.” John 14:27 (NAS95)
As a believer, there is one monumental thing I get to take away from my relationship with Christ. It is peace. After all, according to John14:27, He left it for me, so I’d be foolish not take advantage of it.
Christ has also left me His word. Again, it would be foolish not to take His word with me as I journey through this life. The Scripture reveals much wisdom left to us by the Master Teacher to guide us each day. He left the Holy Spirit, the gift of eternal life and too many promises to list here today.
Yet, too many days, I play the fool because I fail to take away what God has provided for me in life. However, God is forever faithful and continues to supply my needs through Christ. I never fail to find spiritual manna, but it is up to me to take advantage of it.
Now I hope you will agree that these statements are worthy points to ponder. Can I leave you just one more? I’ll need to explain as it all starts with a bit of writer jargon.
When a writer pitches a book or article idea to a publisher, one of the first things that publisher will look for is called “take away.” It means just what it sounds like. What will a reader take away from your writing? How will you leave a reader at the end of your story?
This is a crucial point. Since I’ve actually read a book or two, I know something about take away. At the end of my reading experience, I want to close the book (or article) with a good feeling, a truth revealed, curiosity satisfied or a question answered. In fact, as you spend each Monday pouring over the words I have written, I pray you find a desirable take away in these devotionals. If this isn’t happening, let me know and I’ll go back to a day job!
Here my point for you this week, what about take away in relationships? What do others take away from you? Can they see the peace you’ve taken from Christ in your life and leave with some for themselves?
The Great Commission tells us to go forth! As we go forth, what are we leaving of eternal value that others can take away? Do our children take away compassion or criticism? Shall our neighbors possess grace or gossip when they leave our presence? Does a co-worker walk away from us with indifference or inspiration?
In the last few weeks, God has placed people in my path to provide me with take away. From those appointed encounters, I’ve take away encouragement, praise and a sense of grace. I wonder what they took away from me?
Let me challenge you to contemplate take away this week. Why let the writers have all the fun! Let your mind marvel over what you have take away from your relationship with Jesus Christ. Determine what you want others to take away from you before you set foot out the door. Decide in advance those things you don’t want others to take away and then don’t offer them.
Thank you Father, for the marvelous treasures we take away from our relationship with you. Those things bind us to you and cause us to grow in your grace. They also enable us to have something for others to take away as we meet them. Please help us to daily make use of all you have provided, so others will see our good works, words and attitudes and glorify You in heaven. Amen.
Take it away!
Barbara
Ministry Partner, PFOC
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