Making Good Decisions - February 10
Today’s Readings: AM Psalm [83] or 146; PM Psalm 85, 86; Gen. 27:30-45; Rom. 12:9-21; John 8:21-32
Some members of our church have been working through a book that aims to be helpful in raising children. The book is titled, “Fourteen Talks by Age Fourteen: The Essential Conversations You Need to Have with Your Kids Before They Start High School.” Discussing with a friend, he found it hilarious that the author named a challenge he is currently experiencing, how difficult it is to get preteens to do certain things. In this case, the difficulty is in recognizing their own need to wear deodorant. We laughed at the technique the book recommended, which was to leave sticks everywhere. Sometimes young people just don’t know what is best for them. You have to make it easier for them to make good decisions. He is leaving little reminders for his children to make good decisions (about their hygiene).
Maybe this is good practice because the stakes only get more challenging the older we get. Paul’s letter to the Romans has some strong language in today’s Epistle reading. We must not “lag in zeal, [but] be ardent in spirit.” We are commanded to “be patient in suffering, bless those who persecute us, and not repay anyone evil for evil.” Probably the most challenging of the words Paul offers are “if your enemies are hungry, feed them; if they are thirsty, give them something to drink.” Paul thinks this is like putting burning coals on their heads, but it is also a remarkable act of compassion that breaks a cycle of violence and certainly, overcomes evil with good. It’s probably not something that comes naturally to us.
I don’t know how we leave little reminders for ourselves to live our life this way, but through community, we make it easier for individuals to make good decisions. This is how a community ethic can shape our own individual values and choices. Paul was writing the Romans to encourage them to make good decisions. We continue to read his letter to do just the same. And as a community, we encourage each other through teaching and reflection.
It's not easy to follow the way of Jesus. It means some very counterintuitive actions. But it’s made easier by the encouragement of each other. May we support one another in this way.
John+
Questions for Self-Reflection: What ways of following Jesus are most difficult for you to follow? What has come easier over time?
Daily Challenge: Find someone to hold you accountable for your actions, an accountability partner. Maybe a friend our spouse to help support you in the actions of Paul’s letter to the Romans.