| A reflection on this past week’s sermon:
Grace & Gratitude. This is the rhythm of the gospel. We experience God’s grace towards us in Christ, and respond in gratitude by offering our lives – our whole lives – back to him. As we move into these last few chapters of Romans, Paul shifts from exploring the content of the gospel, to exploring the implications of the gospel. And much of that has to do with our relationships – how we relate to other Christians, to our neighbors, and even to our government and elected officials (perhaps a timely word for us in this perpetual election season).
One way we relate to each other, that would have boggled Paul’s mind, is through email. So when I offer my body (my whole self) to God, in worship – because of all God’s done for me, that means my email too. It’s just one area that came to my mind today (I’m actually typing this note as an email), but one where we can relate to each other in a transformed way, using our words to bless, encourage, speak truth, and ultimately as a way of loving each other. So this week, in your emails to friends, family, co-workers, clients, and bosses:
Don’t let the world system squeeze you into its plastic mold. Instead, bust out of it by letting God’s Spirit give you a brand-new mind. Then you’ll be able to live and enjoy the good and perfect life that God wants you to have. (Romans 12:2 – Letters to Street Christians by Two Brothers from Berkeley, a loose translation of Paul’s letters to the early church)
-Mark Mohrlang
|
