Living in the Spirit

September 30, 2020

Scripture Reading: Psalm 19

But who can detect their errors?
   Clear me from hidden faults.
Keep back your servant also from the insolent;
   do not let them have dominion over me.
Then I shall be blameless,
   and innocent of great transgression.
Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart
   be acceptable to you,
   O Lord, my rock and my redeemer. –Psalm 19:12-14

Indeed, it is hard, though not impossible, to see the errors of our ways and understandings. I see the world so differently from others because of my background, because I am left-handed, I wear glasses, I am female, I am white. I am unique, as each of you is. Yet God, in God’s wisdom, created us to be interdependent beings in relationship with God, other people, other animals, and the earth itself. Such interrelationship requires us to try to see ourselves as others see us for better or for worse. God will also work with us to enter into the difficult tasks of correcting those faults that are only hidden from ourselves. I call this seeking wholeness with the help of God. The closer we are to wholeness in relationship with God, the better we will enter into the oneness Christ desires, enabling justice for all.

The Psalmist broadens the scope of this prayer from looking inward to dealing with outward challenges. The word insolent to me is descriptive of a personality that is disruptive to oneness, using a divide and conquer ploy. When I see this happening in our society, and I see it more and more, I desire to require everyone to read C. S. Lewis’ book, The Screwtape Letters, in which the devil teaches his nephew the devils tricks. Literature can sometimes take us just enough out of our protective shells to help us see ourselves.

The more significant challenge for Christ-followers is that we are called to love the insolent, while not getting pulled into their game. Thus everything we say and do must be acceptable to God, our rock and our redeemer.

Prayer:
Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart
   be acceptable to you,
   O Lord, my rock and my redeemer. 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.