Scripture: Malachi 3:18

And you will again see the distinction between the righteous and the wicked, between those who serve God and those who do not.

Thought for the Day: In “Malachi,” the wicked are not limited to criminals. Any person not serving God is considered wicked. Anyone putting their own interests ahead of the good of the community is wicked. Malachi is trying to get people to think about their lives, and their world, differently. Instead of asking “What’s in it for me?” Malachi urges us to ask “What’s in it for God?” Malachi invites us all to consider that serving each other is our most faithful response to God.

Jesus, being a faithful Jew, teaches the same thing. Over and over he tells people to humble themselves, that it is better to give than to receive, and that it is better to serve than to rule. When we are in right relationship with God, our motivations are different. We become less concerned with material gain and profit motive, and more concerned that everyone gets a fair shake—especially those whom society has rendered voiceless.

I’m thankful for the people who work in service industries—waiters, mechanics, psychiatrists and social workers, police and fire fighters, nurses, doctors and lawyers. I’m thankful for priests, preachers and Rabbis, for farmers and field workers. There are millions of people fulfilling Jesus’ call to serve. Together, they offer a glimpse into God’s always evolving kingdom of peace, equality, and love. Together, they remind us that no matter how bleak the news, all is not lost. God is still working, speaking, and moving us to love and care for each other, unconditionally.

Prayer: Thank you for filling so many hearts with the desire to serve others, our loving God who serves us without question, all the time. Amen.