11-02-19

ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS

November 2, 2019

Scripture: Philippians 1:21-22

Because for me, living serves Christ and dying is even better. If I continue to live in this world, I get results from my work.

Thought for the Day: “…dying is even better”? Really? I don’t know if I can echo those words with the same confidence that I sense in reading this chapter from Paul. I might say, “If I die, so be it!” But I feel as if there is work that remains, and even more so, I feel as if I have something to offer to that work. Again, I don’t always feel quite as confident as Paul appears when he says, “I get results from my work.” If you’re like me, living the Love First Life as a follower of Jesus doesn’t always produce the results we were expecting, or at least not on the schedule we planned. This is where the saints are so important to me. They represent faithfulness and commitment to the love made real in Jesus, and they are not looking for anything else. They do not need a spreadsheet to reinforce all their success. They do not require constant affirmation to keep their ego boosted. They do not create deadlines for love. They just share love in the moment, and with no worries about what tomorrow will bring. These are the people who are getting results in God’s definition of success. These are the saints who inspire, challenge and call us to even greater faithfulness. Let’s keep doing what we can so that our “living serves Christ,” and not be too worried in regard to the dying part.

Prayer: For all those whose living pointed to Jesus and his love, I express my joy and gratitude. Continue to put before me, O Holy One, those who are not seeking the title of Saint, but who shall receive it for living into their calling. Amen.

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