Narrative Lectionary Key Verse for Today
“Turn my heart to your decrees, and not to selfish gain.”
NL Daily Devotion for Saturday, July 10, 2021
by R. M. Fergus, Clergy Stuff
Sometimes I honestly have to wonder. Those folks who make millions and billions through corporations that pollute the environment, poison waterways, cause climate change, mistreat workers, contribute to political instability and oppression…I could go on. How do those individuals, who absolutely must be aware of what their companies’ practices do, sleep at night? How can they remodel their kitchens for the fourth time or take extravagant vacations or buy a private plane when the lowest paid worker on their company’s payroll is a child in central America who doesn’t have basic healthcare? I just don’t get it.
Then there’s me, who sometimes still puts money in Jeff Bezos’ pocket rather than doing the work of finding a local BIPOC-owned business to support. Who still purchases items that aren’t sustainably or ethically made for a whole host of reasons, some justifiable, some not. Who struggles to align her daily choices with her passion for justice.
Psalm 119 is all about delighting in God’s law. God’s law is life-giving. It’s about creating a community in which everyone flourishes. It’s about putting aside personal gain for the benefit of all. Moving toward a life of true companionship with all people and creation takes work. With the psalmist I cry out “Turn my heart to your decrees, and not to selfish gain.”
Is there a disconnect between my beliefs about God’s call for my life and my daily actions? How can God help me bring things into alignment?
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