Thought fir Friday, 20 January 2023

 Philippians 2:13-15

For God is working in you, giving you the desire to obey him and the power to do what pleases him. 

In everything you do, stay away from complaining and arguing, so that no one can speak a word of blame against you.  You are to live clean, innocent lives as children of God in a dark world full of crooked and perverse people.  Let your lives shine brightly before them.

If we attend church frequently or occasionally, watch services of worship on tv frequently or occasionally, if we pray frequently or occasionally, if we read our bibles or articles like this frequently or occasionally, then God is speaking to us, and it is up to us if we choose to listen and act upon what we hear.  What other reason could there be for being motivated to do those things previously mentioned, whether it be, frequently or occasionally?

Our reading tells us to avoid complaining or arguing.  In my position of session clerk and presbytery elder, I have witnessed much of both over the years, church people arguing with other church folk, elders arguing with elders, congregation members complaining to elders despite Paul’s guidance advising us to avoid such confrontations.  I’m guessing few of us could be regarded as blameless in this regard.

I came across a wee poem online which ties in nicely with the final part of today’s reading:

God sends each person into this world,

with a special song to sing,

with a special message to deliver,

with a special act of love to bestow.

No one else can sing my song.

No one else can deliver my message.

No one else can bestow my acts of love, only I can…

 

Prayer – Help us Lord to submit to Your Spirit so that we may carry out the good works that You have prepared for us to do in the only way that pleases You.   We confess that our nature is prone to arguing and complaining which we recognise displays disregard of your word and pride in ourselves. We pray that in Your grace and power we may shine forth as lights in this world - knowing that we are in Christ and He is in us- to Your praise and glory, Amen