Today is Monday, June 25th, 2012; Karen's Korner #2346
Something emailed to me by a childhood friend, Cindy Schubert; an emailed inspirational thought, she enjoyed:
In the early church, people disagreed about what religious practices honored God. Some thought they should eat only vegetables while others felt free to eat anything. They differed on whether certain days were more sacred than others.
We, also, may judge Christians whose beliefs and practices differ from our own. We may try to argue others out of their perspectives. The Apostle Paul melts our debates by teaching that God accepts all of us. God knows what is in our hearts and welcomes us all. Each and all of us will give an account of ourselves to God. Judgment is not ours
to pass on one another.
Paul proclaims one of the most foundational principles of our faith and identity: "We don't live for ourselves and we don't die for ourselves. If we live, we live for the Lord, and if we die, we die for the Lord. Therefore whether we live or die, we belong to God."
Even in the abyss of emptiness--in whatever state we are in--in life and in death, we belong to God. You belong to God. Others belong
to God. That overrides the differences among us.
In light of God's radically inclusive love, "let's strive for the things that bring peace and the things that build each other up."
O God, when we are living, it is in Christ Jesus,
and when we're dying, it is in the Lord.
Both in our living and in our dying, help me remember that we belong to you.
Mid times of sorrow and in times of pain,
when sensing beauty or in love's embrace,
whether we suffer or sing rejoicing,
help me remember--
we all belong to you,
loving God.
Amen.
(Prayer adapted from hymn "When We Are Living")
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