It took a year to read the Bible, then almost 9 months to read the Apocrypha. Now, I'm going to try to offer reflections on the Narrative Lectionary. But, I won't be posting daily--at least, for a while.

Sunday, September 20, 2009

Two Alternatives, a Reflection on James 4:1-3, 7-8a

"Why can't we just get along?" someone asked.

Well, why can't we?

James seems to be telling me that I'm not going to be able to get along with anybody as long as I'm worried about my own self too much.

Give thought to what God wants.

Is there any hope for me?

James says "Of course. Just give up what the devil wants and start wanting what God wants."

I'm wondering how the town hall meetings we saw in August would have been different if the protestors had first read this epistle from James before showing up. How about the teabaggers? OK, how about the people that are appalled by them?

Can it be as simple as James makes it out to be: Resist the devil and he's beaten. Draw near to God and God's with you.

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

"Why can't we just get along?" Against the backdrop of the recent town hall meetings, tax protest, etc., the give and take of public debate is a critical part of the political process. If those seeking to push a program of nationalized healthcare had spoken with honesty and integrity, they would likely have had a different reception when they sat down with their fellow citizens for a face to face meeting. Elected officials are employed by the electorate. They are subject to and must answer to citizens for the manner in which they discharge their office. In this instance, some found the town hall experience to be a shocking revelation of how far out of touch they are with the majority of the electorate. There were representatives who found their town hall experiences to be very affirming and encouraging.

Sunday's Child said...

People who want their way and their way only are often uncivil. I could show you some examples from my own life. Yet, James is calling us to be better than our usual selves.