The Spirit's Rule

Galatians 5:22 – 23  . . . the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.

In the Christian spiritual tradition, a “rule of life” outlines the things one seeks to do, and perhaps tries to avoid, in order to become more Christ-like. Some people observe regular prayer disciplines, receive communion frequently, commit to some form of service to others, or do some combination of these and other practices. Faithful disciples realize that if they don’t make room in their lives for spiritual growth, other things will move in line ahead of it.

While this scripture is not so much an outline of activities as a list of qualities, it has become my rule. It’s not that I try hard to display these qualities, doing my best, for example, to look patient when I am not. Rather, this scripture has become my yardstick. When these traits flow from me naturally, it is evidence the Holy Spirit is at work transforming me. When they do not, I need to adjust what I am doing to make room for the Spirit’s movement – perhaps spending more time in prayer or scripture study, praying for people with whom I am impatient, or asking God to help me see how the world looks through another’s eyes. Does this work? Yes, but my growth would be much greater if I were more faithful in applying the yardstick.

For each of us, some of these qualities are more of a challenge than others. I do pretty well with patience, for example, until I have to wait for just about anything. Which of these traits sometimes elude you? How could you open your heart to the Spirit’s work to transform you?

Running Faithfully

Hebrews 12:1-2 Since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and the sin that clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus the pioneer and perfecter of our faith, who for the sake of the joy that was set before him endured the cross, disregarding its shame, and has taken his seat at the right hand of the throne of God.

The beginning of a school year or any major project can feel overwhelming or seem deceptively easy. Looking at a whole syllabus, the readings and projects seem impossible. But when many of the deadlines aren’t immediate, it is easy to put off tasks until the load is overwhelming. If learning is part of God’s call on our lives, pursuing it well is part of being faithful to God. (As a pastor, learning is a never-ending part of God’s call for me.)

The writer to the Hebrews compares discipleship to running a race – with perseverance or, in other translations, “patience.” Serious runners know that they must pay attention to two places – the ground in front of them, so that they don’t trip, and the finish line, which is what pulls them forward. In every aspect of following Christ, there are tasks for each day and the goal that pulls us forward – to be one with Christ.

This scripture also reminds us that we are surrounded by witnesses in heaven and on earth who have run the race with excellence. Who are the witnesses that inspire you? Who has been for you what you want to be for others? Keeping a roster of saints can be helpful in molding our own lives. Borrowing from Godly examples is a way to keep our focus on the goal ahead of us and the ground at our feet.  

God's peace,

Katie

New Beginnings

In the tender compassion of our God, the dawn from on high shall break upon us to shine on those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death and to guide our feet into the way of peace.         Luke 1:78-79

In this blog of reflections I will seek to echo this scripture, which promises that new light is always dawning on those who seek God in Christ. It reminds us that God reaches out to us from tender compassion. God knows us and feels for us in our fears, disappointments and failings, and rejoices as we do.

For all of us around a campus, new beginnings abound right now. Some are exciting. I can't wait to meet new people, start a new Bible study and welcome people to Tuesday Fellowship Lunches. But newness also brings doubt and apprehension. Did I pick the right school? the right major? the right classes? the right roommate? Will I be able to juggle all my commitments?

We don't know exactly what a new semester will bring, but we do have God's promise always to bring light where there is darkness and to guide us into peace if we will let God do that. 

I'm reciting this scripture often and praying for a semester in which I welcome the light God is bringing and the peace God is drawing me toward. I pray that for each person who reads this.

God's peace,

Katie