Morning Meditation

With Rev. Dr. J. Emmitte Weir

As we continue to celebrate the 37th anniversary of our independence, it is salutatory to bear in mind that we are not truly independent. We all have to depend on others in some way or the other. This truth is well expressed in the meditation for TODAY in Christ In Our Home a spiritual resource book published by the Lutheran Church. It reminds us that in serving others, we realize our-interdependence as human beings, created in the image of God, for fellowship with each other and to serve one another.

Our Scripture reading this bright Monday morning comes to us from:

Mark 10:43-44

"But whoever wishes to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wishes to be first among you must be slave of all."

Christ In Our Home – meditation for Today

'Javier called to his sister, "Maria, get me a Coke from the fridge." Her answer was predictable: "Get it yourself. I'm not your slave."

In our world, we pride ourselves on our independence. We bow down to no one. We dislike the term "servant." We prefer "personal assistant'." Like James and John, we want to push ahead, to advance ourselves. But our Lord urges us to rethink that attitude.

This passage reminds us how often Jesus overturns our accepted wisdom. He presents us with a radically different lifestyle. He sets the direction for our lives as our Lord. Our baptism gives us new birth into the adventurous life of serving others.

Still, we are tempted to cling to our old lives. We wonder if we are really cut out for serving, loving and caring. In truth, we have more capacity for the servant style of life than we may realize. God is at work in us, each day growing our potential for love and service. God never gives up on us. We shouldn't give up on ourselves.'

Prayer

'Lord Jesus, I am baptized into your new way of living and thinking.

Walk with me each day as I grow into my new life. Amen.'