Meditations for Lent - #34
The suggested Gospel reading for today is John 8:21-30. As I read and then meditated on this passage, three verses stood out to me:
So, Jesus said to them, “When you have lifted up the Son of man, then you will know that I am he, and that I do nothing by my own authority, but speak just as the Father taught me. And he who sent me is with me. He has not left me alone, for I always do the things that are pleasing to him..” And as he was saying these things, many believed in him.
Late last evening I was responding to someone I love and respect. He suggested that we need to be careful about judging others based on political correctness. Sometimes political correctness, he went on to say, negates the fact that some people such as him work hard to achieve what they have. It is true that this very good man and his wife are very generous with their time, energy and money. They are also very attentive, hands on parents. They are very blessed with keen intelligence, good educations, a strong faith and clarity of purpose. They are physically and mentally abled.
This morning I had a message from someone who is$350.00 behind on his electric. He has been out of work part of the winter. Seemingly this was partly out of choice. Yet, I also know this man suffers from some mental illness and, thus, experiences life and potential choices much differently than I. He is also a very loving man within the limit of his financial and mental abilities. No matter how hard he works he will never have the resources of the man to whom was talking last night.
Unlike Jesus, I am seldom sure that I am behaving in a way which is pleasing to the God of my understanding. I frequently question what I do or do not do as I walk with others while they question what is the right or the moral behavior. This morning I am questioning whether it was mean spirited of me not to find the money to pay the electric bill of the one man. I am also questioning whether my response to the man whose hard work has been richly rewarded was as kind and understanding as it could have been. When do I need to just listen to the opinion of others and when do I need to engage in a dialogue/debate?
I remind myself that I am not Jesus. I do carry a wise voice within me. That wise voice is the same one I consult regarding parenting issues. I can also consult that wise voice regarding situations such as the ones I have briefly described. That voice reminds me:
Written April 9, 2019
Jimmy F Pickett
Coachpickett.org
The suggested Gospel reading for today is John 8:21-30. As I read and then meditated on this passage, three verses stood out to me:
So, Jesus said to them, “When you have lifted up the Son of man, then you will know that I am he, and that I do nothing by my own authority, but speak just as the Father taught me. And he who sent me is with me. He has not left me alone, for I always do the things that are pleasing to him..” And as he was saying these things, many believed in him.
Late last evening I was responding to someone I love and respect. He suggested that we need to be careful about judging others based on political correctness. Sometimes political correctness, he went on to say, negates the fact that some people such as him work hard to achieve what they have. It is true that this very good man and his wife are very generous with their time, energy and money. They are also very attentive, hands on parents. They are very blessed with keen intelligence, good educations, a strong faith and clarity of purpose. They are physically and mentally abled.
This morning I had a message from someone who is$350.00 behind on his electric. He has been out of work part of the winter. Seemingly this was partly out of choice. Yet, I also know this man suffers from some mental illness and, thus, experiences life and potential choices much differently than I. He is also a very loving man within the limit of his financial and mental abilities. No matter how hard he works he will never have the resources of the man to whom was talking last night.
Unlike Jesus, I am seldom sure that I am behaving in a way which is pleasing to the God of my understanding. I frequently question what I do or do not do as I walk with others while they question what is the right or the moral behavior. This morning I am questioning whether it was mean spirited of me not to find the money to pay the electric bill of the one man. I am also questioning whether my response to the man whose hard work has been richly rewarded was as kind and understanding as it could have been. When do I need to just listen to the opinion of others and when do I need to engage in a dialogue/debate?
I remind myself that I am not Jesus. I do carry a wise voice within me. That wise voice is the same one I consult regarding parenting issues. I can also consult that wise voice regarding situations such as the ones I have briefly described. That voice reminds me:
- You can seek the guidance of others.
- You do not have to make the perfect decision. Just make the decision which seems the most open and loving.
- Check your motives. Are you trying to look good or being genuinely kind? Do you need to be right or have the other person like you? Are you attempting to earn points with the God of your understanding?
- Are you open to all possible answers to your prayers or are you wanting to dictate the question and the answer?
Written April 9, 2019
Jimmy F Pickett
Coachpickett.org
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