Today’s scripture: Luke 16:18 (NRSV) (The Message) (KJV) What might God be saying to me?
My thoughts (Steve Adams):
It was 1973. I was in college, and Watergate was dominating television. While I was at my grandparents’ house and not really paying attention the coverage, something caught my ear that I remember to this day. It was the President’s Press Secretary declaring some past statements of the administration were now “inoperative.” As I thought about what he had said, I felt like I had been transported to the Twilight Zone. Could government officials, who when I was in elementary school I thought were all as honest as Abe Lincoln, be saying this?
Fast forward to 2013, and we have Lance Armstrong admitting he lied all those years about taking performance-enhancing drugs — possibly so he would be cleared to participate in Olympic-type sports — and yet also possibly risking conviction of perjury by doing so.
But years before this, Jesus taught a golden lesson about words. “I tell you, on the day of judgment you will have to give an account for every careless word you utter; for by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.”
When you look at a marriage vow through these lenses, Jesus’ words here about adultery seem to be a bit less shocking. If a couple breaks a mutual lifetime vow, it is of course a staggering loss for both. This makes me wonder if it would be better for people — if they aren’t sure they want to commit forever — to opt for some sort of agreement that they will live together unless one of them decides to opt out, thereby not risking the breaking of the promise.
So, can those of us who have never divorced feel like we’re better than those who have? Absolutely not! Even though I have never divorced, I guarantee you I have broken promises in my life which have let others down. No one is exempt from needing God’s mercy and grace! But, let us rejoice that — even though we are accountable for our sins — as high as the heavens are above earth, so great is God’s steadfast love and forgiveness for us! When we sin, God provides a way out: If we confess our sins, he who is faithful and just will forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:9 NRSV)
Thought for the day: The bottom line seems to be that God wants us to make every effort to speak the truth, especially when it comes to making a promise to someone else. What we say and what we promise is serious stuff!
We encourage you to include a time of prayer with this reading. If you need a place to get started, consider the suggestions on the How to Pray page.