Living in the Spirit

September 23, 2021

Scripture Reading: Psalm 19:7-14

The law of the Lord is perfect,
   reviving the soul;
the decrees of the Lord are sure,
   making wise the simple;
the precepts of the Lord are right,
   rejoicing the heart;
the commandment of the Lord is clear,
   enlightening the eyes;
the fear of the Lord is pure,
   enduring forever;
the ordinances of the Lord are true
   and righteous altogether.
More to be desired are they than gold,
   even much fine gold;
sweeter also than honey,
   and drippings of the honeycomb.

Moreover by them is your servant warned;
   in keeping them there is great reward.
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.

Good question: who can detect their errors? The song You’ve Got To Be Carefully Taught from the musical South Pacific tells us that the rules we play by may not be God’s or God’s taken out of context or misinterpreted. This song tells us that other sources, our family, community, culture define what we should hate and fear, mainly as our actions relate to diverse people.  Loving like God would have us Love beyond the boundaries of a closed society. Breaking away from long-held attitudes and perceptions is challenging and may only be accomplished by opening our whole beings to the Spirit of God flowing through us, enabling us to love like Jesus.

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.