Today’s scripture: Romans 14:7-9 (NRSV) (The Message) (KJV) What might God be saying to me?
My thoughts (Steve Adams):
The church was wounded — not “one” as Jesus prayed for in John 17. One group couldn’t stand what the other was doing. Some esteemed certain days as special; others didn’t. Some abstained from certain foods; others thought that was unnecessarily restrictive. And this wasn’t simply a casual disagreement. They were deeply irritated with each other. Think of a serious dispute you’ve had with a roommate, friend, or family member. I think this approached that level of animosity.
But now I ask you to stop and consider the following:
God is giving me this present moment of life, and as it flows into the next second, God is giving me that as well. In the following instant, this life could end. In fact, with a few minor changes in the circumstances of life, I would never have been born — never to experience even one sunrise or sunset. Each morning as I awaken, I am experiencing the miracle of existence. Everything moment of life is your gift to me, O God!
I think this is basically what Paul is saying when he writes, “If we live, we live to the Lord, and if we die, we die to the Lord; so then whether we live or whether we die, we are the Lord’s.”
What dispute would this perspective — if held deeply in mind — not calm and reframe? Proverbs 3 reminds us to acknowledge God in all our ways, even when we want to judge others because we think they’re SO wrong! We practice the art of understanding the person who offends us. We become transformed, as Romans 12:2 so brilliantly explains, by renewing our minds. When our minds get off track, we face it, and then we think new, refreshing thoughts, with the help of the Spirit within us. The transformation won’t be instantaneous, but, with practice, we get more skillful at the art of seeing the world through God’s eyes.
Thought for the day: …that they may all be one…Jesus praying for the church in John 17.
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.