Living in the Spirit
November 11, 2016

Scripture Reading: 2Thessalonians 3:6-13

For even when we were with you, we gave you this command: Anyone unwilling to work should not eat. For we hear that some of you are living in idleness, mere busybodies, not doing any work. Now such persons we command and exhort in the Lord Jesus Christ to do their work quietly and to earn their own living. Brothers and sisters, do not be weary in doing what is right. –2 Thessalonians 3:10-13

I do think the writer of 2 Thessalonians is most perturbed about people not doing their fair share of work needed to make a living. The scripture could also target people not doing their part in Kingdom building. Sociologist identified the Pareto principle to described how things get done. Also known as the 80/20 rule, the law of the vital few, or the principle of factor sparsity, it states that, for many events, roughly 80% of the effects come from 20% of the causes*. Another sociologist, Margaret Mead, put it this way, Never, doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has**. I always think of the 12 disciples when I remember this quote. The problem is we must also remember the Hitlers of the world. We can tear down, or we can build up.

We are facing a drastic change in our governance in the USA as we end another election cycle. It is foundational in our democracy that our government is of the people, by the people, for the people. It is incumbent on us if our side did not win to explore the driving factors for the side that did and then build bridges of understanding across the divide. To attain the Common Good, we must know what is common among us.

Jesus modeled the image of the Kingdom of God for us to follow. In it, we are called to be one. Remember the 12 Disciples implementing Jesus’ vision and changed the world. The call is ours today.

Prayer: Lord, we need your presence in everything we do to make your Kingdom a reality. Walk with us, talk with us, grow us into your way and your life. Amen.

*https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pareto_principle
**Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/m/margaretme100502.html

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 American. Used by permission. All rights 
reserved.