Living in the Spirit
August 24, 2018
Scripture Reading: Ephesians 6:18-20
Pray in the Spirit at all times in every prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert and always persevere in supplication for all the saints. Pray also for me, so that when I speak, a message may be given to me to make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it boldly, as I must speak. –Ephesians 6:10-20
December 23, 1776–THESE are the times that try men’s souls. The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of their country; but he that stands by it now, deserves the love and thanks of man and woman. Tyranny, like hell, is not easily conquered; yet we have this consolation with us, that the harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph. What we obtain too cheap, we esteem too lightly: it is dearness only that gives everything its value. Heaven knows how to put a proper price upon its goods; and it would be strange indeed if so celestial an article as FREEDOM should not be highly rated*.
The USA is clearly in a crisis of its own making brought on by misplaced values and the ennui of ignoring our responsibilities as citizens to be intentional about the preciousness of the foundations upon which our country was formed. We, indeed, long to be summer soldiers and sunshine patriots but that choice is no longer available, if we want to survive and thrive as a nation of the people, by the people, and for the people. We are being used and abused by principalities and powers with strong self-interest who tease us with 30 second sound bites design only to rile our worst prejudices and fears, using quotes taken out of context and often totally unrelated to the matter at hand. Divide and conquer is the battle plan of choice.
In Christ, we are called to oneness to do the hard work of finding common ground and in the case of our government upholding the Common Good. Those principalities and powers we must overcome require us to delve deep into our source of support, the very Spirit of God, who can cleanse our hearts and minds of our prejudices and fears and can use us as tools to overcome any obstacles that are in the way of actualizing a world ruled by love.
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid. –John 14:27
Prayer: Lord, strengthen us to seek your guidance as we journey through a world fraught with obstacles to the full realization of your Kingdom. Amen.
*From Crisis by Thomas Paine