Scripture: 2nd Thessalonians 1:11
We are constantly praying for you for this: that our God will make you worthy of his calling and accomplish every good desire and faithful work by his power.
Thought for the Day: Each of us has a calling put within us or before us, a calling to participate in the work God is doing in the world. On the first reading of the above passage, I was a bit troubled by Paul’s words that suggested someone may or may not be worthy of this calling. Isn’t the basic declaration of the Gospel that Jesus Christ came to reveal God’s love, specifically its unconditional nature that affirms and celebrates every human life? If that’s true, and God has called us, then wouldn’t it be strange for Paul to make this prayerful request? I wonder if Paul is suggesting the need to claim our worthiness before God? Too often people feel unworthy of the call, not because they are unworthy, but because enough voices have told them so. God has already made us worthy, so shouldn’t our lives be lived in such a way that they honor this gift…honoring it by living faithfully into the calling that God has given us.
Prayer: You love me without condition, O Gracious God. May that truth reside deep within me where no person’s negativity can touch it. With a humble spirit, I celebrate your generous kindness and will do my best to participate with you by means of the gifts you have given me. Amen.
TODAY
