Good Morning Friends,
Many people today say they are “spiritual but not religious,” and some who once attended church have drifted away. I pray they have still found God at work where they are, yet I also believe they are missing the richness of worshiping in community. Perhaps this moment calls us to rethink how we welcome people back and how contrary thinking can serve God in a changing world. So today we explore scripture and ask, When Does Contrary Thinking Produce Fruit?
Scripture Summaries
Matthew 10:34–11:1
Jesus teaches that following Him may create division even within families. Loyalty to Him must come before every other allegiance. Those who lose their life for His sake will find it. Welcoming His disciples is welcoming Him, and even small acts of kindness done in His name receive God’s reward. After instructing the disciples, Jesus continues teaching throughout the cities.
Exodus 1:8–14, 22
A new Pharaoh, unaware of Joseph, fears Israel’s growing strength and oppresses them with harsh labor. Yet the more they are oppressed, the more they multiply. Pharaoh commands that Hebrew baby boys be thrown into the Nile.
Isaiah 1:10–17
God rebukes His people for empty religious rituals. Their sacrifices and festivals mean nothing while their hands are full of injustice. God calls them to repent, seek justice, rescue the oppressed, defend the orphan, and plead for the widow.
Message: Doing the same thing repeatedly without fruit is unwise. Jesus Himself was a holy contrarian, giving new life to God’s commandments: “You have heard…but I say to you.” If traditional approaches aren’t drawing us closer to God, perhaps God is inviting us to think differently and act differently. We are not to rebel, but to seek authenticity. Contrary thinking can expose our sin and deepen our need for a Savior. It can also provoke others to extremes, which is why Jesus commands us to love our enemies and pursue unity. As Peter Marshall said, oaks grow strong in contrary winds, and diamonds form under pressure. Sometimes God uses challenges to strengthen us and refine us. We live in a time of cultural upheaval. Contrarians often lead paradigm shifts, but God does not want us playing trivial religious games. He wants integrity, justice, generosity, and a holy heart shaped by Jesus. God sees us, calls us, and delivers us so His glory might shine through our lives — traditional or not.
And So, if releasing worldly expectations helps us serve God more faithfully, then contrary thinking may be exactly what God uses to change the world. Worship must stay alive, not just on Sundays, but in daily faithfulness.
Pray we lose our life to find it. Pray we help seekers find God’s presence. Pray we grow closer to Jesus through His unorthodox wisdom. Pray we become generous and justice‑minded. Pray we embrace contrary virtues: humility over pride, kindness over envy, abstinence over gluttony, chastity over lust, patience over anger, liberality over greed, diligence over sloth. Pray we live in the world but not be of it. Pray we stop bargaining with God and instead walk sincerely with Him. Pray we keep improving, stay attentive, and seek God’s guidance in all things.
Blessings,
John Lawson
Daily Devotionals 