Living in the Spirit
October 7, 2018

Scripture Reading: Mark 10:2-16

People were bringing little children to him in order that he might touch them; and the disciples spoke sternly to them. But when Jesus saw this, he was indignant and said to them, ‘Let the little children come to me; do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of God belongs. Truly I tell you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will never enter it.’ And he took them up in his arms, laid his hands on them, and blessed them. –Mark 10:13-16

Everything we do today shapes the future for our children. Our history does not project a bright future for them. The rich are getting richer, the middle class is shrinking, and the poor are getting poorer. Our economy is driven by greed not based on productivity but in money transactions. War of some kind is a constant reality. Climate change is reshaping our coastlines, impacting weather trends, and threatening the very air we breathe. Violence of all types surrounds us. People are angry but cannot put their finger on why. We blame politicians some of whom feed the chaos.

As followers of Christ, we are called to pave the way toward a world ruled by love where all have enough, live in peace, live in a world with clean air and safe water, and love our neighbor as we love ourselves as interdependent children of a loving God. I do not know a time when our answering that call has been more important.

Prayer: Lord, strengthen us to live your love and share it from our front doors to the end of the world. 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 America. Used by permission. All rights are reserved.