Living in the Spirit
November 17, 2016

Scripture Reading: 2 Thessalonians 2:1-5, 13-17

But we must always give thanks to God for you, brothers and sisters beloved by the Lord, because God chose you as the first fruits for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and through belief in the truth. 4For this purpose he called you through our proclamation of the good news, so that you may obtain the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. So then, brothers and sisters, stand firm and hold fast to the traditions that you were taught by us, either by word of mouth or by our letter. –2 Thessalonians 2:13-17

Trauma happened within the Oklahoma City Thunder with the exit of a couple of long-term quality players and the entrance of several new, very talented new players, and a coach in his second year. It is probably a good thing the coach was pulled from the college coaching ranks for they are well acquainted with such turnover. Seniors graduate, first-year students make rookie mistakes. The Coach’s mantra is the same win or lose; we must play our game. We cannot let the other team draw us into their game.

Excellent advice also for people of faith. Our life plan did not change with the recent election. Circumstances changed. We will need to make some adjustments to meet differing situations, but we are still called to love God, still called to love our neighbors as we love ourselves, still called to be the Body of Christ in the world today. With our nation as divided as it is right now our presence as disciples of Christ may be more important than ever.

We have not done a very good job among ourselves in the last several years as we have let the world pull us into their game of divide and conquer. We need to work from the center of the things we do agree on and grow them to the edges where division still exist. In so doing we may find the divisions gone or find answers from new insights gained. We need to work God’s plan of oneness with greater commitment. We also need to set the standard for making justice through peace a reality.

Prayer: Lord, we do need you every hour, but right now your constancy is our only solace as you are with us in the moments. Make us whole make us one. Amen.

All scriptures are quoted from the New Revised Standard Version Bible: 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. United States