Living in the Spirit
Light a Candle for Children
October 3, 2014
Scripture Reading: Philippians 3:4b-14
Not that I have already obtained this or have already reached the goal; but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. Beloved, I do not consider that I have made it my own; but this one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on towards the goal for the prize of the heavenly call of God in Christ Jesus.
— Philippians 3:12-14
Paul is admonishing us not to be frozen into inaction by fear of imperfection. No, we are not perfect. Yes, we do make mistakes. Most athletes, serious athletes, will tell you that if they make a mistake they learn from it and then let it go. On the football field or basketball court, there is not enough time to wallow in despair that one drops a pass or sends a dunk into the bleachers instead of through the hoop. The other team may be halfway down the field or court in that time of self-flagellation. The same is true of followers of Christ.
While we don’t necessarily watch film of our every play following a game, we do need to revisit, in as objective way as possible, the actions that we have deemed a failure. When we carefully craft a program to get people involved in mission and the same stalwart souls are the only ones who show up that does not necessarily mean that we should discontinue trying to get everyone involved in some type of service to others. Perhaps we need to start at an earlier point, for example, in study to explain why we care. Perhaps we need to engage the non-participants in planning so that the service we provide is something about which they can feel some ownership. Perhaps we need to provide training because doing service does not come naturally to all. Perhaps we need to spend time in prayer together asking for God’s discerning guidance on how we can best be in mission.
I have seen the joy of making a difference in the life of a child spread across the face of many people who would tell you that they never imagined themselves as a tutor, a big brother or sister, a cuddlier of preemies in an infant ICU, or a little league coach. I think that same action brings joy to God’s face, also.
Oklahoma Fact: In 2012, 13% of all births in Oklahoma were premature.*
Prayer: Make us each a blessing to some child today and tomorrow and the next day. Amen.
All scriptures are quoted from the New Revised Standard Version Bible: Anglicized Edition, copyright 1989, 1995, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of Churches of Christ in the United States of American. Used by permission. All rights reserved.