Scripture: Romans 8:28
We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose.
Thought for the Day: Rev. Dr. Mark Whitten served at the communion table on Sunday (9am), and he referenced these words from Romans. In rereading the verse later in the day, I was intrigued by the word purpose. Too often we believe everything is going to work for our good if only we love God. It is viewed as nothing more than an exchange – I give God love and God gives me good things. To view it in those terms is to entirely miss the point. To love God is to align oneself with God’s purpose, and when we (plural – community – church) align ourselves with God’s purpose, things begin to work together for God’s good. In today’s world, from Facebook posts to TV religion to a politicalization of Christianity, I see a very skewed and dangerous understanding of God’s purpose. As Christians, we would claim the divine purpose as being revealed in the life, teachings, death and resurrection of Jesus. Not to oversimplify, but Jesus – from birth to resurrection – made real the radical and transformative love of God. So when you love God, it isn’t in the hopes that God will then bless you with that really nifty thing you’ve been wanting. When you love God, you are aligning yourself with that radical and transformative love…which of course got Jesus killed.
Prayer: By the power of your Spirit, O God, I seek to more fully align my life with the one who embodied your true life, Jesus Christ. Amen.
New Worship Series
