Sue’s Monday Morning Meditation

Unity

04/29/2024

Scripture:   

Jesus said:  “By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”   John 13:35 (ESV)

Comments:

Many years ago, God’s Spirit kindly began showing me ways I could value and love others within the vast sea of Christianity.

I did not want to abandon valuable aspects of my faith tradition or as my grandmother might have said, “throw the baby out with the bathwater.” I did, however, believe Important soul work was needed because I tended to be judgmental and critical, especially toward those whose faith practices or interpretation of scripture differed from mine.

Like friends who are alcoholics in recovery, I will not say I am recovered, but I am in a process of recovery which has been life giving, and I believe better aligned with what Jesus taught:

 “‘Love the Lord your God with all your passion and prayer and intelligence.’ This is the most important, the first on any list. But there is a second to set alongside it: ‘Love others as well as you love yourself.’ These two commands are pegs; everything in God’s Law and the Prophets hangs from them.”

Matthew 22:37-40 (MSG)

Looking back on the process, these steps were beneficial:

• Becoming aware of and confessing opinionated, critical, and judgmental thoughts. Two things helped. A quote from Oswald Chambers, “God never gives us discernment in order that we may criticize, but that we intercede.” Criticism, I realized, may be based on accurate discernment, but a God-honoring response is prayer rather than judgment. Secondly, when I realized self-centeredness in my critical spirit, I confessed: “I’m sorry Lord, here I am again making this all about me, when truly, I want to make it all about Thee!” Self-awareness and confession led me to greater God-awareness.

• Coming to grips with the essentials of my beliefs. Unexpectedly, I learned the basics of what I believe as a follower of Jesus were encapsulated in ancient Christian creeds such as the Apostle’s or Nicene Creed. Unique beliefs are important, but grounding and focusing on the basics brought a sense of spiritual freedom.

• Holding firmly to my beliefs without clinging to the need to “be right.” Truthfully, I have an opinion about almost everything! Once in prayer, I believe the Spirit spoke into my spirit, “You don’t need to be right because God is always right!” That realization helps me trust God will lead and judge every sincerely-seeking person—including me—in right paths.

• Focusing on what I have in common with another believer rather than differences, avoiding “us vs. them” camps. I began by not asking a person with whom I felt a faith kinship what church she or he attends. I avoid discussing divisive, debatable social/cultural/political issues until I feel confident that in so doing, I won’t create alienation or disharmony. This discipline helps me “learn [and trust more fully in] the unforced rhythms of God’s grace.” (See Matthew 11:28-30 MSG)

• Being curious rather than critical. Ask questions. Listen to stories. Celebrate God’s goodness in another’s experiences even when I “don’t get it.” The variety of conversations has increased my faith in God who is infinite and yet meets every individual in intimate, tailor-designed ways.

• Learning about other faith traditions. The most helpful tool was “Streams of Living Water – Essential Practices from the Six Great Traditions of Christian Faith” by Richard Foster. I’m convinced the Church, for which Jesus paid an enormous price to create, is better because of our unique perspectives. Because humankind is imperfect, no one tradition is completely perfect, but there is richness in learning about and respecting varying perspectives and practices.

Prayer:

The Apostle’s Creed

I believe in God, the Father almighty,
creator of heaven and earth.

I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord,
who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,
born of the Virgin Mary,
suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, died, and was buried;
he descended to the dead.
On the third day he rose again;
he ascended into heaven,
he is seated at the right hand of the Father,
and he will come to judge the living and the dead.

I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the holy catholic [universal Christian] Church,
the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,
and the life everlasting.
Amen. 

Reflection Question(s):

Is there something in my comments that resonates or perhaps creates tension or resistance for you? If so, are you willing to meditatively read the words of Jesus from John 13:35 a couple times and sit silently with God about your emotional responses? Do any new ideas or thoughts emerge?

Blessings on your meditations this Monday!

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