Living in the Spirit
June 23, 2016

Scripture Reading: Galatians 5:1, 13-25

For freedom Christ has set us free. Stand firm, therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.

 For you were called to freedom, brothers and sisters; only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for self-indulgence, but through love become slaves to one another. For the whole law is summed up in a single commandment, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ If, however, you bite and devour one another, take care that you are not consumed by one another. –Galatians 5:1, 13-15

Free to be…you and me* was released as a song 44 years ago to help children internalize self-worth regardless of race or gender. It was Christ’s message over 2000 years ago and it still is today. Our world works really hard at trying to fasten us separately in chains of hate and fear, and of needing to feel better than another to establish our own worth. We try very hard to convert freedom into privilege. I think that is part of what Paul is trying to get at in our scripture today.

While we can be offended by the outrageous things being said and done in our current political climate, I have been trying to listen through the rhetoric and hear from where such venom is coming. I sense a great deal of fear of what is not known. What does the future hold? What does a terrorist really look like? Are we really as innocent of the forces that are working to create terrorism? If we are not, what can we do about it now?

Economically many find their security slowly but surely slipping away. The middle class shrinks as salaries are stagnant and long-term retirement benefits become a dream not a promise. Yet many seem to be thriving financially; seem to have money for anything they want whether they need it or not. And no one seems to want to pay for the infrastructure to keep our country going: education, roads, bridges. A friend gripping about having to pay taxes responded to me when I replied, “but we need education, roads etc.” saying, “The government is supposed to pay for that.” It appears that we the people have given up our responsibility of providing for the Common Good handing it over to the lobbyist and other power brokers.

Our first primary will be held next week here in Oklahoma. If you are from another state, make sure you know when your elections are scheduled. One step toward loving your neighbor as you love yourself is to carefully consider the candidates and make your vote count for the Common Good.

Prayer: Lord, guide us in all aspects of our lives even as we fulfill our civic responsibilities. Amen.

*https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Free_to_Be…_You_and_Me

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.