#7 Thoughts from the back deck...

#7 thoughts from the back deck...

Romans 12:4-5
For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another.


Recently, I read this history book. I felt it was thoughtfully written, covered our history in a balanced and encompassed the scope of time well. It did not try to cover up or excuse the past but did ask questions to make me think about how I judged our past in light of where we are and how we look at life today. The author did not shy away from our past difficulties and sins but also showed how we are different and have learned and grown as a people. The title, A Land of Hope, is fitting as the author reminds us of our history. The author did not try to give answers to questions about people's past behaviors because he was not there, and this was not "Bill and Ted's Most Excellent Adventure (a very goofy 90's movie reference!).

I read the scripture from Romans for today and spent some time meditating on these words by God, through Paul, to us.

It brought back to memory times when I have thought ill of others. Times where I treated others poorly. Times where I used people. Times when my words were not just unkind but deeply hurtful to others. It also brought back to memory the reverse. Times where others have thought ill of me, treated me poorly, used me, where words and actions hurt me deeply.

We are a sinful, broken people. History and our present time of life are proof texts affirming what God tells us. We can see when we look honestly in the mirror of self-reflection as well as out the window of the world around us- sin. It has been this way since Adam and Eve's fall and will be until Christ's return.

So, we just live with it and deal with the pain caused by others, and as we cause pain to others, we shrug our shoulders and say: "C'est la vie!" (That's life; such is life.)

That is not what God wants for us. That was never part of His plan. So look at this verse and see the hope that is within these words. For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. Jesus is within you. We are created in the image of God. Jesus died for every person. That means every person is dearly loved by God our Father. With the help of the Holy Spirit, we have hope for the present and the future. We also see forgiveness for the past. See that even though there are differences between people, we are more similar than diverse! The devil divides; Jesus unifies! We are loved by the Father and are part of God's creation. Want hope? You have hope in Jesus! So go live in that hope, and with Jesus at your side, let hope be shared as we love one another.

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