27 June 2005

Today we will move back into the letter to the Corinthians.

" All things are lawful for me," but not all things are beneficial. "All things are lawful for me," but I will not be dominated by anything. "Food is meant for the stomach and the stomach for food," and God will destroy both one and the other. (1 Cor. 6:12-13a)

Grace runs us right to the edge of life. We exist in a realm of freedom that is beyond our comprehension. Therefore, it is important for us to understand that we will either try to fly off that edge and abandon any sense of community and graciousness or we will put on the brakes and never let ourselves get anywhere near the edge. When we put on the brakes because we are afraid of where freedom will lead us we also destroy community. We may make a community of robots who must all fall within a template of existence, but the community of love and graciousness that we inherit in Christ, Jesus, will be a dream miles away. When we fly off the edge because we have let ourselves trust a banner phrase rather than the life behind it (All things are lawful for me), our lives do not take the time to consider how our actions have an impact on the whole of the community and our individual lives. Our community becomes "me" and "mine" which is really no community at all...unless of course , we limit our lives to those whose lives are being ruled by that which pulls them off the edge. I suppose we could put these to categories of extremes onto many different labels - either political or religious - economic or social - sexual or educational. And yet, both are afraid of the call into community with all people. We live on the edge in the domain of grace. It is not always an easy way to live. It is always thrilling because we cannot be there alone. WE must understand that there will be those who are always pulling back from the edge and those who are constantly dangling over the edge...and yet, our God calls the whole bunch of us into a life where grace pulls us to the edge and love keeps us there - together. That, I think, is call the community of Christ.

Connection: Where is the edge? Today we may find ourselves at the edge, pulling away from the edge, and throwing ourselves over it. In the meantime, there will be confusion, anger, and the possibility of immense joy. Where is the edge in the lives we are living TODAY?!?

Gentle Lord of All Hopefulness, the guidance of your Spirit is needed in all we do. Keep us mindful of your gracious presence among us. Amen