Scripture: Galatians 5:5-6

But by faith we eagerly await through the Spirit the righteousness for which we hope. For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision has any value. The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love.

Thought for the Day:  I’m not exactly sure how it happened, but at some point Christianity became about mansions and streets paved with gold in heaven. People have been taught that if they lead a “good” life (whatever that means) they will be rewarded in heaven. One of the many problems with this ideology is that the reward is material—in heaven one receives mansions and gold streets, and puppies and unicorns…

The point of the spiritual masters was not to promise us material riches in the afterlife. Jesus came to show us how a life of faith changes us here and now. More importantly, Jesus shows us how faith changes the world here and now. If we are honestly faithful to God, we are transformed—right now! into loving beings who cannot help but help one another. Even Paul talks about a transformation of love so complete that we see the world in a totally new way: We see each other as parts of the wholeness of God, rather than separate beings who need to fight over land and supplies. Our faith in God gives us the love we need to free rather than enslave each other.

Faith should always be active. It should motivate us to change the world, even if it seems impossible. We have faith because we have felt the presence of the supernatural in our lives. God lives within us, and moves us to work in the interest of love. We become teachers of love, workers united in the cause of love. Faith creates an army of lovers that always opposes the warriors of oppression and hatred.

And love always, always wins.

Prayer: Loving God, make my faith great enough to stand against the oppressive forces of terror attempting to separate us from Your presence.  Make my love bright enough to light the way for others on their way to Your embrace, and hot enough to melt the hearts of fear that cause men and women to kill each other for land, food, and misguided ideology. Amen.