Living in the Spirit

September 24, 2022

Scripture Reading: Luke 16:19-31

‘There was a rich man who was dressed in purple and fine linen and who feasted sumptuously every day. And at his gate lay a poor man named Lazarus, covered with sores, who longed to satisfy his hunger with what fell from the rich man’s table; even the dogs would come and lick his sores. The poor man died and was carried away by the angels to be with Abraham. The rich man also died and was buried. In Hades, where he was being tormented, he looked up and saw Abraham far away with Lazarus by his side. He called out, “Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue; for I am in agony in these flames.” But Abraham said, “Child, remember that during your lifetime you received your good things, and Lazarus in like manner evil things; but now he is comforted here, and you are in agony. –Luke 16:19-25

I am so tired of being asked for money. During this election season, I get five or more text messages or emails a day begging for campaign donations. Most of the pundits I hear predicting election outcomes base their prognostications on how much money the candidate has raised whether it came from a few rich supporters or many small donors. The Beatle’s song titled Can’t Bye Me, Love runs through my mind, and I wonder if we end up electing people who are better at raising money than finding common ground for the Common Good. I am not sure the skills are interchangeable.

Jesus indicated that he judges us by how well we love our neighbors. He is quoted in Matthew 25 listing the criteria by which he judges people:  feeding the hungry, providing water for the thirsty, clothing the naked, caring for the sick, restoring the prisoner, and welcoming the stranger.  Rather than how much money a candidate raises, where they stand and act on these issues might be a better criterion for choosing someone to serve in our government.

Prayer: Lord, enable us to love our neighbors as you would have us to love them. 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.