Living in the Spirit
August 12, 2022
Scripture Reading: Hebrews 11:29-12:2
Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and the sin that clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus the pioneer and perfecter of our faith, who for the sake of the joy that was set before him endured the cross, disregarding its shame, and has taken his seat at the right hand of the throne of God. –Hebrews 12:1-2
Anybody can say they are a Christian. However, growing up I sang the song that rendered the message, they will know we are Christians by our love*. Hebrews tells us we are called to run with perseverance the race that is set before us. That race is joining Christ’s crew to finish the task he started in his life, death, and resurrection of transitioning our world into the Kingdom of God– the beloved community of God.
Our nation is built on the concept of the separation of church and state. Our constitution even provides in the First Amendment that Congress make no law respecting an establishment of religion or prohibiting its free exercise. While candidates certainly have a right to claim to be Christian, you may want to check out their record, if you are considering voting for someone this year because they identify as Christian. They may have a different definition of Christianity from yours. Are their actions dedicated to the descriptions of how Jesus judges our work for God’s kingdom found in Matthew 25? Do they seek the good of all people, not just a chosen few? Do they pander to the rich to the detriment of the poor? Do they serve their constituents, not just their political party or their faith group? For example, do they support public education designed to transition all children into adulthood ready to be self-supportive and self-sufficient? Do they understand that being healthy is crucial to being a contributing member of society? Thus, health care must be a right, not a privilege. Does it bother you that the USA ranks number 1 among industrialized countries in the cost of health care** and 18th in the quality of care***? Does it bother you that the USA and Oklahoma’s minimum wage is $7.25 an hour when a living wage for one person is $15.75**** in Oklahoma? What are the candidates for office you are considering doing to address these issues? If the purpose of government is to provide for the Common Good, surely these issues should be at the top of all our elected officials’ concerns.
Prayer: Lord, guide us as we fulfill our civic duties. Amen.
*See full lyrics of They Will Know We Are Christians by Peter Scholtes at https://hymnary.org/text/we_are_one_in_the_spirit
**https://worldpopulationreview.com/country-rankings/health-care-costs-by-country
*** https://worldpopulationreview.com/country-rankings/best-healthcare-in-the-world
****https://livingwage.mit.edu/states/40
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.