08-31-19

ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS

August 31, 2019

Scripture: 1st John 2:3

This is how we know that we know him: if we keep his commandments.

Thought for the Day: This is not what I hear people of faith communicating. I hear more talk about proper belief, yet a person can believe all kinds of things that have no real impact upon daily life. I believe the sky is blue, but at no point is that belief shaping the way I live my life. Belief, as scripture portrays it, is not an intellectual acknowledgement. As you’ve heard me say before, the early Christians understood belief as to belove. You can believe something without changing your behavior, but the moment you fall in love is the moment that things begin to change. In 1st John, the idea of knowing is not just another way of describing an intellectual acknowledgment. It is a relationship of love where joy becomes the driving force. I don’t do what I am commanded to do because I’m forced, but because I love and have experienced love. The world would be a much better place if people knew that we loved God because we followed his commandments. And of course, those were two fold: love God and love neighbor. We can talk, scream and even post on social media while kicking handstands, but none of it will suggest that we know and love God.

Prayer: As much as I might enjoy enlightening people with some great insight, it is not going to change a life. Lead me, Gracious God, into the needed work of loving the world around me. Let my life do more talking, especially as I interact with those who are grieving, hurting, marginalized and forgotten. I do not do this work to promote myself, but to honor you. Amen.

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