January 12 - Choose Your Heroes Wisely

JANUARY 12 - Choose Your Heroes Wisely


3-Year-Bible Reading: Proverbs 3:31–33; Matthew 9 (https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/...)


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Do not envy a man of violence and do not choose any of his ways, for the devious person is an abomination to the Lord, but the upright are in his confidence. The Lord's curse is on the house of the wicked, but he blesses the dwelling of the righteous. — Proverbs 3:31–33


And behold, some people brought to him a paralytic, lying on a bed. And when Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, “Take heart, my son; your sins are forgiven.” — Matthew 9:2


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It’s easy to admire the wrong people. Whether it's someone at school who seems powerful because they're always the loudest or the most popular, or a celebrity who promotes rebellion as "confidence," we often find ourselves drawn to those who appear to be winning — even if their methods are sketchy. But Proverbs 3:31–33 warns us not to envy people who use violence or wickedness to get ahead. God sees everything, and He blesses those who walk with Him, not those who cut corners or hurt others.


Then in Matthew 9, we meet a group of friends who didn’t rely on force or fame — they simply believed Jesus could help. They brought their paralyzed friend to Jesus, not caring about how awkward or inconvenient it might have been. Jesus didn't just heal the guy physically — He forgave his sins! Their quiet faith moved the heart of God in a way that popularity and pride never could.


So here's the real question: Who do you want to be like? The world may reward clout, attitude, and ruthless hustle. But God honors those who trust Him, do what’s right, and show up with quiet courage and faith.


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THINK ABOUT IT


1. Who’s Influencing You? Are you admiring people who look successful but act in ways that go against God’s Word? Take a moment to examine who’s shaping your values.


2. What Moves You — Fear or Faith? The friends of the paralyzed man didn’t have power, but they had faith. Are you letting fear hold you back from doing bold things for God?


3. Are You Choosing God’s Blessing? Proverbs says God blesses the righteous. That’s not about being perfect — it’s about choosing to walk His way daily, even when it’s not popular.


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BOTTOM LINE


The people you admire shape who you become — so admire faith over fame, and righteousness over rebellion.


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PRAYER


Heavenly Father, help me not to envy those who seem successful but live in ways that displease You. Give me the courage to walk in faith, like the friends who brought the paralytic to Jesus. Teach me to choose Your blessing over the world’s approval. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.