| Today’s Scriptures: Lectionary selections from the Revised Common Lectionary Year C Luke 1:68-79 Malachi 3:13-18 Philippians 1:18-26 |
| Today’s Reflection: One of the most challenging battles I face comes when I guide someone to question the motives of another person. We desperately want to believe that everything another person tells us comes with our best interest in mind. Unfortunately, as I work with teenagers on a daily basis, motivation often comes from a selfish place. Unfortunately, in the church, such actions do not only stay in the youth department. Malachi, the prophet addressed the motivation of those who played religion and those who worshipped God.
As Malachi addressed those who questioned the motivation of others he drew out a key aspect of belief and worship: we obey God, not for self but for service. That which we do in the act of worship may not immediately benefit the worshipper, but the prophet assures us God takes note of the service (and the intentions behind the service). Our worship of God includes the motivation in our heart as well as the outward actions. Being right with God requires our entire being. Playing religion and mimicking the right language gets us nowhere; being righteous and acting as God directs, gets us everywhere. |
| Revised Common Lectionary Daily Readings, copyright © 2005 Consultation on Common Texts. www.commontexts.org |
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