Living in the Spirit
September 19, 2018
Scripture Reading: Psalm 1
Happy are those
who do not follow the advice of the wicked,
or take the path that sinners tread,
or sit in the seat of scoffers;
but their delight is in the law of the Lord,
and on his law they meditate day and night.
They are like trees
planted by streams of water,
which yield their fruit in its season,
and their leaves do not wither.
In all that they do, they prosper. –Psalm 1:1-3
We need to heed this scripture now. The time has come for all of us to rise from the scoffers’ seat letting go of all scorn, derision, and contempt. As Christ followers, we are called to do justice not watch our world turn far away from the vision Christ set for us of bringing about his kingdom on earth.
God holds nations accountable for their actions as well as all the individuals within each nation. During an election year, we get caught in the crossfires of mud slinging and name calling. If we are a part of such unproductive behavior, our first step is to stop. Dealing with real issues is far more challenging but also far more helpful in making decisions about voting.
The USA has a very serious problem regarding poor voter turnout. We each need to vote but also encourage everyone to vote even enabling those who might need a ride to the polls.
If organizations are not willing to share who paid for any political ad, I am not willing to listen to the ad. Various PACs with patriotic-sounding names on all sides of the issues invest millions of dollars from unidentified donners in campaign ads with only their own self interest in mind. When those ads come on TV I hit the mutt button and walk my 250 steps or do something else until my program returns to the screen. Who knows I may be in better shape by the end of this campaign season than I have been in years.
Rise up, O saints of God!
From vain ambition turn;
Christ rose triumphant that your hearts
with nobler zeal might burn.
Rise up, O saints of God!
His kingdom’s task embrace;
redress sin’s cruel consequence;
give justice larger place*.
Prayer: Lord, help us be doers of the word. Amen.
*First two verses of Rise Up, O saints of God by Norman O. Forness, see at https://www.facebook.com/Our.Saviours.Lutheran.Church.Mpls/posts/rise-up-o-saints-of-godlyrics-by-norman-o-forness-1936evangelical-lutheran-worsh/508634672538648/