Scripture: Romans 8:28
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
Thought for the Day: If you hadn’t noticed, my focus the last few days has been on leadership. A little of this spills over from my workshop at the recent Area Assembly. In the above words from Romans we find another misused passage for all kinds of church and business ventures. People take it to mean that if they love God, in some sort of warm fuzzy “isn’t God great” kind of attitude, then any plans they conjure up will be divinely blessed. Maybe I’m wrong, but I doubt that’s what the one who was crucified to reveal the power of humility and love had in mind. What I read here, and in the surrounding chapter of Romans, is a recipe of sorts. There are many necessary ingredients for God’s good work to see fruition. To love God is to love neighbor as well, which basically means all of humanity. To be called to God’s purpose, means to be called to a life of self-sacrifice. To know this is to be deeply rooted in scripture and prayer that is seeking God’s will. Have you ever left out an essential ingredient from a recipe? Beside being a bit embarrassing if guests were coming for dinner, it often produces something that belongs in the garbage disposal. God is working for the good of those who love God, but God’s work might not want the ingredients you are bringing to the mix. God has guests coming, and God wants them to feast on the blessings of Christ’s love and kindness.
Prayer: Whatever I bring to your work in this world, Merciful God, I pray that it is something you can use. I will do my best to remove that which is not helpful, including my ego and my selfishness. I will try my best to bring before you a genuine love that seeks you and the needs of my neighbor above self. Amen.
