.. do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others" Phil. 2:4
Listen to: Israel Houghton & New Tribe: "Love Revolution"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yPt7yb42EGg
Some of us today are happy with the emerging results of the presidential election. Others of us are disappointed. We have all been on pins and needles waiting for the final results. On top of this, we have been suffering for months from the coronavirus pandemic which shows no signs of slowing down. Tempers are frayed, many tears and cross words have been shed. We are numbed and wearied by the tension. Demonstrations and law suits are starting up again. What is crystal clear is that our nation is deeply divided, deeply wounded, struggling to find our way through the challenges at its feet.
During difficult situations, we are tempted to give in to cynicism, negativity or despair. To give up. To turn inward and care only for ourselves and the small group around us. As Christians, we have a powerful mandate in face of social and personal chaos. Jesus calls us to use the situation we are in as an opportunity to grow in faith. To trust more deeply. To practice patience and forbearance To love more sacrificially. To reinvest our energies, even when we ourselves are hurting, in the world.
No matter who the president is, God is our eternal Sovereign. We carry God's standard: so we must be the salt and leaven of our communities. We bring God's order: so we must listen to those who don't have a voice. We must see those made invisible by injustice and sin. We must touch those who are angry, fearful and forsaken.
Today is a new day and there is much ministry to do. There are devastated communities we can help repair. There are hearts that need mending. There are needs out there that fit the longing of our own hearts. If our communities are to be restored, we must model giving and service. We discover, in the process, our own spirits are touched and healed.
This is a great, spiritual truth: as we focus on and meet the needs of our neighbor, we in turn find peace and a balm for our souls. Giving is key to our spiritual maturity. For as St. Francis said, "in giving we receive." Let us carry Jesus' words as go forth this day:
"Give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you" Luke 6:38
PRAY: "God, out there is a need with my name on it. Lead me to it. We remember that you are for us -- and yes, Lord, we are for your people. So today we give: with all our hearts, we give, in your name."
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