Focus
Slow your breathing and become aware of the taking in and letting out of your breath. Focus on putting things aside so you will be open to what God is saying to you today.
Read
Romans 16:17-20 (NRSV)
I urge you, brothers and sisters, to keep an eye on those who cause dissensions and offenses, in opposition to the teaching that you have learned; avoid them. For such people do not serve our Lord Christ, but their own appetites, and by smooth talk and flattery they deceive the hearts of the simple-minded. For while your obedience is known to all, so that I rejoice over you, I want you to be wise in what is good and guileless in what is evil. The God of peace will shortly crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.
Reflect
This scripture passage has a strong and much needed message for the Church today. It is also one that I think the Church has a difficult time addressing because it calls us to look inside ourselves and see where we fail in our ministry as Christians.
How many times have you left church wondering about certain discussions that occurred during Sunday school or around worship. I have experienced such thoughts after a particularly controversial ministry or session meeting. We are all human, and we have our own ideas of where God wants us to be. I strongly believe that those ideas come from our desires and from where our specific talents lie. For me, as a musician, I feel that music should be emphasized in our worship service and with our children. Others may not feel the same. I think the problem comes when we are closed off to the ideas of other people in the church.
Many churches seem to be made up of small groups that share a common interest. That is all well and good until one group thinks that its way is the only way and that the way we see God is the only way to see God. We have to be tolerant, but at the same time hold fast to what makes us Cumberland Presbyterians.
This passage tells us not to be swayed and to hold strong to our beliefs, always seeking God. Only in this way we will continue to coexist as a Christian family.
Pray
Dear God, help me to listen to others and not always put my desires first. Keep us strong as followers of you. Amen.
Go with God.
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