REFLECT: But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man observing his natural face in a mirror; for he observes himself, goes away, and immediately forgets what kind of man he was. But he who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this one will be blessed in what he does. James 1:23-25
REALIZE: Over the last twenty-one days you have examined your heart, your friends, your circumstances and your resolve. You have reflected on many issues.
This, in fact, was a first pass – it is likely will find reason to think more deeply about the issues raised. You may find it useful to repeat this devotional, to go deeper, building on your initial insights. You can also use it as an annual year end checkup, to help you reset for the New Year.
In summary, the insights of this devotional can be distilled into ten principles:
1. The Battle is for Your Thoughts, Words and Heart
2. Don’t Fight Evil with Evil
3. This is Not an Optional Approach to Life
4. Be Confident and Stand Your Ground
5. Know the Disguises of Your Foe
6. It’s All By Faith
7. Don’t Be Culturally Shaped
8. Don’t Underestimate The Potency of Toxicity
9. Distinguish Friends From Frenemies
10. Check Your Filter and Watch Yourself
The takeaway: to detoxify your spirit, observe two main guiding principles: (1) take charge of your life and step out from all toxic influences hindering you, and (2) do not, yourself, be a toxic influence (Romans 14: 12-13).
Guided by these principles, your inner life will become more tranquil, and your company more edifying. This, is highly recommended (Romans 14:19).
REJOICE: Take a moment to savor this: by completing this twenty-one day soul detox, you have prayerfully cleared away the spiritual debris that was hindering you in at least one area of your life. With God’s help – via the insights you received as you worked through this devotional, and the answers to prayer received and yet to come – you have obtained the blessing of a clean slate for healthy(ier) spiritual progress, for a fresh start, even!
Congratulations! Welcome to this new season in your life.
PRAY: Heavenly Father, I thank you for prompting me to detoxify my heart. I am grateful for this good start. Though it has been both uncomfortable and illuminating, I am grateful for the encouragement I have received from this. I will take to heart the warnings and reprimands You have drawn to my attention. Thank you for the insights that I have received. Inspire me to resist the impulse to move on prematurely, but rather, further reflect – unhurriedly – on the issues that You have highlighted to me. I want to be a better person and I want to live a better life. May the fruit of this meditative reflection produce this result, for Your glory. In Jesus Name, Amen.