Here is more from 1 Peter, chapter 2 verses 11-12 Beloved, I urge you as aliens and exiles to abstain from the desires of the flesh that wage war against the soul. Conduct yourselves honorably among the Gentiles, so that, though they malign you as evildoers, they may see your honorable deeds and glorify God when he comes to judge. Okay, there is a good chance that when we live a life that does not follow the back-biting - lying - self-absorbed - finger-pointing ways of the world we may be seen as being odd. To consider the welfare of others even when it means sacrificing our own lives can be looked at as a stupid move. It doesn't make sense to the world. It flies in the face of the 'operating standards' of the world. We need also note that as we follow the way of Jesus - a way that is given up for the welfare of all at cost to ourselves - many will look at us and call us 'evildoers.' Do you remember stories of people who helps the underdogs - the enslaved - the beaten down - the outsider - the scapegoats? Those "helpers" were labeled as folk who were trying to destroy the way things were to go. These folks didn't have anything to gain when you look at their life within the society. They instead had much to lose for aligning with "those" people. These are stories of people who sheltered Jews during the demonic system of the Nazis or sat at lunch counters and on buses with African Americans in the demonic/racist south or - example after example. And yet, when we look back, those who took risks and stood up for the welfare of all humans are the ones who come away being seen as taking part in honorable deeds. God is glorified as we walk through the day siding with all who long for life and peace and justice. Connection: We all know it is not easy to take a risk in any aspect of our lives. Even speaking out with a voice that is contrary to the prevailing voices in the room can be risky. It is in those times of potential risk that we are to remember the foundation upon which we are living - the rock - the cornerstone. Sometimes, that image can sustain us and move us to speak, act, and do anything that is necessary for the image of God's love to be seen among God's Beloved - that's us. In the middle of what is so common, O God, you show us the way of the cross - the way of the fullness of our humanity that is like a light to the world. Help us again - today - to shine. Amen. |
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