Narrative Lectionary Key Verse for Today
“Beloved, I urge you as aliens and exiles to abstain from the desires of the flesh that wage war against the soul. Conduct yourselves honorably among the Gentiles, so that, though they malign you as evildoers, they may see your honorable deeds and glorify God when he comes to judge.”
NL Daily Devotion for Sunday, July 17, 2022
by Dr. Kimberly Leetch, Clergy Stuff
Main Idea: The blessing of God is not just in attaining, but in striving for a better self.
Upon reading this we come across a troubling text. “Slaves, accept the authority of your masters with all deference, not only those who are kind and gentle but also those who are harsh.” There is nothing about a loving God that suggests that people who are beaten should remain willingly and quietly.
So, let’s look at this in the context of the greater text. This chapter suggests that, having been chosen by God, we also are given the awesome responsibility of building within ourselves a foundation of faith and spiritual purity. One who builds upon a strong foundation will create a structure that is sound.
For God’s people, the foundation was to present to the world a community that was united in faith, justice, and holiness. For individuals, the foundation is to fully embrace the autonomy we have been given over our own reactions to the things the world throws at us. God gives us the power to own our own presence in the world.
For those enslaved whose circumstances were unlikely to change, God gave autonomy to stand strong in the face of that challenge, whether easy or harsh. God reassures them that no one can take from them their self-worth, their response to their situations, or their integrity, even when others try to beat it out of them.
What this means for us is that we are invited to build a foundation for our lives on integrity, autonomy, strength, faith, and holiness. Such a foundation can withstand the long-lasting effects of abuse and suffering. Yes, of course, if you can get out, get out! And then upon that foundation of God’s living stone, rebuild a life of compassion, self-compassion, humility, confidence, a sense of self-worth, and love.
God’s invitation is not to endure suffering needlessly and without a fight. God’s invitation is to build a life—your life—upon a foundation that can withstand anything, even suffering, and can then be built stronger than before.