Living in the Spirit

July 22, 2022

Scripture Reading:

Colossians 2:6-15, (16-19)

Therefore do not let anyone condemn you in matters of food and drink or of observing festivals, new moons, or sabbaths. These are only a shadow of what is to come, but the substance belongs to Christ. Do not let anyone disqualify you, insisting on self-abasement and worship of angels, dwelling on visions, puffed up without cause by a human way of thinking, and not holding fast to the head, from whom the whole body, nourished and held together by its ligaments and sinews, grows with a growth that is from God. –Colossians 2:16-19

Paul got that right. The earthly observations of his day have indeed been supplemented over the years by hundreds and thousands of equally absurd practices and beliefs that distract us from being the Body of Christ in the world today. I am stunned by the singularity of our outrage regarding issues that have simple solutions if we cared to use them. Most abortions could be prevented by the availability of quality, affordable and accessible health care, raising the minimum wage to a living wage, and providing quality public education that prepares children for adulthood and good-paying jobs.

I got off the plane with my choir many years ago at an airport in Sweden and rushed with my group to the nearest restroom as is often the case with people getting off planes. I was surprised to see that there were no designated male and female restrooms. Each of the stalls was enclosed for privacy and each contained appropriate plumbing for men and women. The only thing shared was the sinks to wash one’s hands. The long line moved very quickly, and no one had to worry about sharing a restroom with anyone.

We are called to be the Body of Christ in the world today with an assignment to begin and continue the work of creating the beloved community, the Kingdom of God. That requires us to remove ourselves from the shadows of worldly judgments and live in the light of Christ’s loving example.

Prayer: Lord, write on our hearts your desire for our work and strengthen our will and our bodies to carry it out. 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.