Introductory Thoughts
Confusion does not always result directly from personal sin, but sin surely causes a great deal of confusion. In today’s passage, we find Daniel making this point as he contrasted God and man. Daniel pointed out that righteousness belonged to the Lord and confusion belonged to the people. Why? Simply because God’s people chose to sin against the Lord. Sin blurs and transforms an otherwise clear and indisputable reality into corruption and vagaries. Committing sin blurs the broad chasm between sin and righteousness. This blurring makes it more difficult for a child of God to discern the perfect will of God. Therefore, only those believers who eschew evil can and will experience clarity of mind. Those who embrace evil reap uncertainty.
Devotional Thoughts
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(For children): Peter would not believe what was going to happen to Jesus (Matthew 16:21-23) nor what Jesus told him he would do when that time came (Matthew 26:31-35). Once Peter denied the Lord in the first instance, it became easier to do it a second and third time.
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(For everyone): Do you find it difficult to discern the difference between right and wrong? Was there a time in your life when it seemed much easier than it does now? What changed?
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What are some ways in which sin can bring confusion? Why does sin bring confusion? What does it do to your fellowship with God? How does this yield confusion?
Prayer Thoughts
- Thank God for the clarity He offers and provides.
- Ask God to guard you from sin that would bring confusion.
Song
HEAVENLY SUNLIGHT
