08-15-24

ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS
August 15, 2024
Again and again, surveys seem to indicate that clergy are not perceived as ethical and honest by the general public. Nurses are always at the top of the list, along with dentists, teachers, and veterinarians. Despite my profession’s poor numbers, we do remain above politicians and car salespeople. But it sometimes feels like a race to mediocrity. Even more troubling is how the poor grade for clergy seems to impact the church, or at least the perception of the church by the world around us. I’m not going to pretend that we, as clergy or lay Christians, are without failings. Absolutely not! Spend a couple of hours with me, and you’ll know a few of my shortcomings. At the same time, we need to set a standard for ethical behavior that reflects our stated convictions and values. We need to be a people of integrity, a community the world can trust. Proverbs 20:6-7 says:

Many proclaim themselves loyal, but who can find one worthy of trust? The righteous walk in integrity—happy are the children who follow them!

At the end of the day, we can complain and bemoan the numbers, or we can control what we can control. Being a part of a faith community where we are honest with one another, including calling out areas where improvement is needed, will help us strive toward greater authenticity and dependability. We must trust one another, always keeping our purpose of love at the center of all that we do. 

Help me, Gracious God, to match my daily living to the pronouncements of love and justice that I offer on Sunday morning. Amen.