"Why Bother?" September 14 Readings: Isaiah 40, 1 Corinthians 15:1–34, Psalm 106:6–12, Proverbs 22:28–29

  

Reading the Bible in 2025

Each day this year, we will read a selection from the Old Testament, the New Testament, a portion of the Psalms, and a part of Proverbs. By the end of the year, you will have read the entire Bible. We read this way to give you a bit of variety. 

NOTE: If you get behind, do not give up. Read today's readings and try to catch up when you have a chance. The goal is not to "accomplish a task" but to meet God in his word. Read the word. Also, if you are short on time, READ GOD'S WORD and skip my devotional!

Bible Readings: Isaiah 40, 1 Corinthians 15:1–34, Psalm 106:6–12, Proverbs 22:28–29

    Scriptures linked to Bible Gateway in ESV version 

Daily Devotional: Why Bother?

Why should I bother?

• Why should I resist temptation? Sometimes sin is so appealing - it would be so much fun. And saying no to my flesh is so hard. Why should I bother? 
• Sometimes, people treat me badly. Why do I have to return good for evil, forgive them, and seek to love even my enemies? That is really difficult. I want to lash out, strike back, give insult for insult. Why do I have to do what the Bible says? Why should I bother? 
• When things are hard and the road is difficult, why do I have to keep going? Through discouragement, through opposition, when I want to give up, why shouldn't I just give in? Why should I bother? 
• The Bible tells me I have to humble myself, deny myself, and die to myself. Why do I have to do that? Why should I bother? 

The answer to all of these questions is found in 1 Corinthians 15, which tells us that there is something beyond this world. If this world were all that there was, if there is no resurrection, no heaven, no eternity, then why bother with the struggle of the Christian life, with saying no to my own desires and seeking to overcome them by the Spirit's power? Paul makes this clear in verse 19. 

If in Christ we have hope in this life only, we are of all people most to be pitied. 

Yes, there are blessings that are ours in Christ in this world - it is a joy to serve Jesus. But the foundation of our faith is the truth that this world is simply a preparation for eternity. We store up treasures in heaven instead of on earth because of eternity. We resist sin and seek righteousness because it pleases the God who rules eternally. We willingly suffer here on earth because of the crowns we will receive in glory.

The resurrection of Jesus Christ proves many things. It proves that the sacrifice he made was enough, and that sin and death were defeated. But it also opened the door to eternal life for all who believe. We live because Jesus lives. Death cannot hold us because it did not hold him.

And the only wise life we can live today is one that prepares us for eternity - faith in Christ, obedience to him, walking in the Spirit, and missional living. Because Jesus rose from the dead, our suffering, our struggles, and our service are all worth it, not only now but in all eternity.

Father, I long for your glory. When life is hard in this world, when people are cruel, when things are breaking my way, I long for your glory. I thank you that Jesus rose from the dead and that our hope is eternal. 

Consider God's Word:

Which of these four passages spoke most clearly to you today? 

Is there sin in your life that needs to be confessed and dealt with that was revealed in one of these passages? 

Is there something in your life that needs to change?

Is there a struggle in your life that one of these passages spoke to? 

Sometimes you may get discouraged because of your stresses, hardships, and sufferings. Remember that Jesus Christ rose from the dead and will raise you to eternal life. Your sufferings are light and momentary. Stand firm in Christ because there is glory awaiting you.