9 June 2005

Today we continue in 1 Corinthians, chapter four.

I have applied all this to Apollos and myself for your benefit, brothers and sisters, so that you may learn through us the meaning of the saying, "Nothing beyond what is written," so that none of you will be puffed up in favor of one against another. For who sees anything different in you? What do you have that you did not receive? And if you received it, why do you boast as if it were not a gift? (1 Cor. 4:6-7)

We always go back to the water. For me, infant baptism is one strong image for a community that does not know anything but the gift. From the water where the power of the love of God soaks us for life, there is no other status and no other story that can be used by one person or group against another. The water is the language of the gift and we have all been to the water and we have all left the font as gifted children of God. It does not matter who led us to the water or who poured the water over us or dipped us beneath its surface. The only thing that matters is what God does to us and with us. Therefore, we are free from the games people try to play with every source of power the world knows. There is no us or them...there is no one side standing closer to God. We are a gifted people and all we can do is point to our God and say, "Wow, what a way to start the day and face whatever will be among us."

Connection: A gift has been given to you. According to this gift, you have had life handed to you in an abundant fashion and it continues to be the power that will sustain you and shape you. No one can take that from you or claim a greater power.

Presiding Lord of Life, all we can do in your presence is give you thanks. Let our thanksgiving be in the shape of our lives wholly responding to your gracious love. Amen.