Scripture: 2nd Timothy 2:21-23
All who cleanse themselves of the things I have mentioned will become special utensils, dedicated and useful to the owner of the house, ready for every good work. Shun youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart. Have nothing to do with stupid and senseless controversies; you know that they breed quarrels.
Thought for the Day: I learned a good lesson yesterday. Amidst a very good Thanksgiving Dinner, I realized that we did not have an important element. I nearly gasped when I noticed that we had not purchased black olives. If you had asked me earlier in the day – Is Thanksgiving possible without black olives? – I would have quickly offered an opinion from my nearly 50 years of enjoying black olives on Thanksgiving. That educated opinion would have been a strong, “No!” Yet to my surprise, we enjoyed a good meal in a spirit of gratitude without the consumption of black olives. In fact, it was a really good meal.
How often have we allowed a change in tradition or a forgotten custom ruin an otherwise amazing moment? If we are in a confessional mood, I would have to tell you that it has happened on more than one occasion in my life. Now don’t get me wrong – tradition and regular ritual can be very meaningful. They can solidify an important teaching, but at the end of the day, we are invited to pursue: righteousness, faith, love, and peace. Don’t let a lack of black olives (or whatever it might be in your setting) ruin an otherwise good event that is about preparing special utensils for the work of God.
Prayer: I really like black olives, but at the end of the day, I love my family and you, O Lord. Help me to keep my priorities right and my focus on pursing your ways. Amen.
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