Today’s scripture: John 5:31-47 (NRSV) (The Message) (KJV) What might God be saying to me?
My thoughts (David Zier):
I think we are programmed by the world to be a certain way. Some of us learn that there is only one way to get ahead in life: we are to excel at our careers, obtain wealth, and seek pleasures that fill a continuous hunger within us that we just can’t seem to fill. Relationships, family, and friends are in there too, but so many people are driven to obtain more, or find someone who has.
When I was younger, I was pretty content even though we did not have much. I think it was drilled into me over time, something that I was not aware of until I was older, that success and doing well is what life is all about. I worked hard, did well in school, and I have had some amazing jobs that have taken me all over the world. Unfortunately, the “glory” that I think I have obtained in the process keeps me focused on things that draw me away from God. Success does not need to be defined in stuff and experiences — I can do well in life when I allow for God’s love to guide me. But is that how I live?
It seems today that so many say they are preaching the gospel, yet they are really only testifying about themselves. “Send MY ministry money, and you will receive back multiples of what you give.” Really? That sounds like the message the world is telling me — to accumulate and obtain more and more. It’s almost like a hook that ropes me into the same way of thinking. How is that any different?
Jesus says to come to him to have life. Jesus is telling me that I am to have the love of God. It seems like we are in the day of Moses where people are constantly looking toward that next god to fill that hole in their life. Today, our golden calves are getting everything bigger and better, and constantly upgrading and enlarging, especially when we are not in need. Yet, we allow all the false testimony of the world, and the prosperity gospel thumpers, to trick us into thinking that is what it is all about.
How am I allowing for more God in my life? Am I asking God to be present to me and speak to me, or am I relying on someone else to tell me what it says? (John 5:39) Do I notice God more, and more of God’s activity throughout the day, or am I mesmerized by all the riches and things of the world that I only worry about me, myself, and I? Do I see God in others and do I see Christ in the eyes of someone hurting or in need? What is it I want? Maybe the right question is, what is it YOU want from me, God?
Prayer for the day: God, help me to see more clearly the way you want me to live. Help me hear more clearly your words, your voice, your leading, and your guiding. Help me to live in and obtain, more and more each day, the love of God in me. Amen.
We encourage you to include a time of prayer with this reading. If you need a place to get started, consider the guidelines on the How to Pray page.