Tag Archives: Common Ground for Common Good

Bring Us Together

Living in the Spirit

October 6, 2022

Scripture Reading: 2 Timothy 2:8-15

Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, a descendant of David—that is my gospel, for which I suffer hardship, even to the point of being chained like a criminal. But the word of God is not chained. Therefore I endure everything for the sake of the elect, so that they may also obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory. The saying is sure:
If we have died with him, we will also live with him;
if we endure, we will also reign with him;
if we deny him, he will also deny us;
if we are faithless, he remains faithful—
for he cannot deny himself. –2 Timothy 2:8-13

I always have a problem with words like “elect.” They ring of privilege over others.  We are granted the freedom to choose to follow Jesus or not. I suppose that could be written elected to follow. Jesus, however, loves all of God’s children even those who do not choose to follow him. Jesus also saw the righteousness in people who did not proclaim to be his follower even though they lived his example. The phrase if we deny him, he will also deny us; may simply mean Jesus does not force himself upon anyone. It rings true to the instruction in Matthew 10:14 If anyone will not welcome you or listen to your words, shake off the dust from your feet as you leave that house or town.

As we plow our way through our midterm elections, we may want to consider what “elect” means as we elect people to work together toward finding common ground for the Common Good which is their assignment. I fear we have lost track of that reality. Some do not want to work together in search of common ground, and it appears that some do not want the Common Good. Some have their own definition of what is Good that only includes those who agree with them. How we reshape our government during this election will have a lasting impact on our lives for many years. We need leadership that can walk away from the negative influences and bring our country together.

Prayer: Lord,  bring us together, Lord, bring us together in love.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.

Can’t Bye me, Love

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.

Bind Us Together

Living in the Spirit

September 9, 2021

Scripture Reading: James 3:1-12

Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers and sisters, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness. For all of us make many mistakes. Anyone who makes no mistakes in speaking is perfect, able to keep the whole body in check with a bridle. If we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we guide their whole bodies. Or look at ships: though they are so large that it takes strong winds to drive them, yet they are guided by a very small rudder wherever the will of the pilot directs. So also the tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great exploits. –James 3:1-5a

I do not see myself as a teacher. I did teach 5th graders in Sunday School one year when I was in college that I think went well. However, I was a complete failure with 5-year-olds when I was asked to teach another Sunday School class. While on paper, I may be listed as a teacher at adult Sunday school and Bible study, I identify myself as a facilitator. Many in these groups are older, more studied, and wiser than I am. I make coffee, order materials, raise questions to keep the discussion going, and I have learned a lot over the years through these processes. I do often pray, guard my tongue, O Lord. Depending on the translation, there are at least 100 verses in the Bible that give this instruction. Some use the word “mouth” rather than “tongue.” I have also learned through experience that it is essential to gauge one’s timing when a comment might be apt but not appropriate at the moment. I am still working on that.

In times like these, dialogue among both people we know, and strangers is vital to address our world’s divisiveness. We are all afraid of the COVID virus, whether we want to admit it or not. There is much uncertainty regarding ending the war in Afghanistan. Many are too busy trying to survive while rebuilding following a significant storm and fires. What does the future hold? Are we now ready to address climate change? Can we give peace a chance in a world full of injustice and terrorists? What difference can I make toward addressing such complex issues?

God created us with brains and hearts and gifted each person with skills and talents. God created us to work together as one. The only way we can do that is to meet one another with respect and seek common ground for the common good, remembering Matthew 18:20, For where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them.’

Prayer:

BIND US TOGETHER, Lord, Bind us together
With cords that cannot be broken.
Bind us together, Lord,
Bind us together,
Bind us together with love*. Amen.

Refrain from song Bind us Together by Bob Gillman, see at https://www.worshiptogether.com/songs/bind-us-together-bob-gillman/

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.