Narrative Lectionary Key Verse for Today
“But as for me, my feet had almost stumbled; my steps had nearly slipped.
For I was envious of the arrogant; I saw the prosperity of the wicked.”
NL Daily Devotion for Saturday, June 5, 2021
by R. M. Fergus, Clergy Stuff
If you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em. Or so the saying goes—a saying I whole-heartedly disagree with. But I’m human after all. It’s hard, sometimes, to see all the ways people have their wealth on display when so many suffer in want in the U.S. and all over the world. And my petty, human response isn’t always righteous indignation, but straight up envy. I could probably land a high-paying job that would give me financial security and lots of ‘stuff.’ Sure it would kill my soul, but, you know…Small price to pay?
Following God’s call isn’t going to make me rich, and the temptation for worldly security can be loud in my ears. But I keep coming back to the simplicity and wholeness a life lived in integrity and service brings. And God keeps welcoming me back when my envy causes me to stumble.
Source of all good things, draw my attention back to the richness of following in your ways. Amen.
