08-03-21

ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHING
August 3, 2021
Scripture: Colossians 1:9-10
For this reason, since the day we heard it, we have not ceased praying for you and asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of God’s will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so that you may lead lives worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him, as you bear fruit in every good work and as you grow in the knowledge of God.

Thought for the Day: A few days ago I shared a rather strong and discomforting statement about the current condition of Christianity. As I read the Gospels, and then reflect on the writings of Paul, I find myself more and more troubled with how our beloved institution has become overly consumed with correct beliefs, reciting ancient creeds and ideas as if they were magical incantations by which one could gain access to God. It’s a little like what’s happened in our school system. Standardized tests expect young people to regurgitate information that has been handed to them (though many teachers continue to creatively work around the system). Shouldn’t education have a greater purpose, such as inspiring young minds to discover information yet to be found. We do not need another generation memorizing what is already known. In an attempt to control, we lose sight of the real purpose of education. The same thing continues to occur in the life of Christianity. We should be less interested in young people reciting a well rehearsed verse on love and more interested in helping them experience love, and through that experience, be inspired to find new and creative ways of sharing love. Ancient reflections on God’s love might be an interesting point of reflection, but never the goal. Our ability to talk about love will never bear the fruit capable of changing the world. At no point in scripture does Jesus (or anyone else) suggest our mission is to better articulate the theories of love. Love is never a noun to be observed or parsed, but a verb that actively calls us to continue its work.

Prayer: It is my desire, Holy One of Heaven, to experience your love in my flesh and bones, to devour it so it may satisfy the hunger of my soul. As I come to experience your gift more and more, it is my prayer that others experience it through me as I choose to put love first in all things. Amen.

---

---

via WordPress https://ift.tt/37jpH7H