Wednesday, 3 December, 2003

This series of devotions are focused around Soren Kierkegaard’s “Christian Discourses etc.” The biblical text to consider during these devotions is: Matthew 6:24-34.



In order to avoid a tone of condemnation the lilies and the birds are thrust in between; for the lilies and the birds condemn nobody – and as for thee, thou shalt not condemn the heathen, thou shalt learn from the lilies and the birds. Yes, it is a difficult task the lilies and the birds have, a difficult position they are in as instructors; there was nobody else could do it, every other teacher would so easily be tempted to accuse and condemn the heathen and praise the Christians (instead of imparting instruction), or mockingly to condemn the so called Christians who do not live as they ought. But the lilies and the birds, which are engaged solely in teaching and are absorbed in it, do not express any opinions, look neither to the right hand nor to the left, neither commend nor reprove, as teacher generally are wont to do.



There seems to be much anxiety in the air about “them” and “those” and “what they are doing” or “what they are thinking about doing.” Wouldn’t it be good for us to consider the lilies and the birds? In doing that, we would be more inclined to be gracious in the presence of others because we would be content with ourselves and not have the need to evaluate and judge others. But it is not easy to let go of our need to have an opinion about this and that…and the need to share it and make sure that others hear it…especially if it is about “them.” Good teacher are really good students…they listen, they come to see new things, they absorb, and they let the go of the need to have the world be like them or the way they expect it to be.



Connection: We would do well today to not insist on making the day go our way…or have others conform to our views and our patterns of life. Sometimes there can be great joy in listening to what makes other live, act, love, and abide they way they do.



Precious Lord, the wonders of your creation are beyond our comprehension. Continue to walk with us as we engage this day with a bit of contentment and a bit of amazement. Then we may find ourselves able to be at rest with others and find joy in the presence of others and ourselves. Amen.