NOVEMBER 2, 2023

  “We are always falling in love or quarreling, looking for jobs or fearing to lose them, getting ill and recovering, following public affairs. If we let ourselves, we shall always be waiting for some distraction or other to end before we can really get down to our work. The only people who achieve much are those who want knowledge so badly that they seek it while the conditions are still unfavorable. Favorable conditions never come.” 

― C.S. Lewis, The Weight of Glory

JEREMIAH 33-35

1While Jeremiah was still confined in the courtyard of the guard, the word of the Lord came to him a second time: 2“This is what the Lord says, he who made the earth, the Lord who formed it and established it—the Lord is his name: 3‘Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.’ (33:1-3) 

TITUS 3

1Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, 2to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and always to be gentle toward everyone.

3At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. 4But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, 5he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, 6whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life. 8This is a trustworthy saying. And I want you to stress these things, so that those who have trusted in God may be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good. These things are excellent and profitable for everyone.

9But avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and arguments and quarrels about the law, because these are unprofitable and useless. 10Warn a divisive person once, and then warn them a second time. After that, have nothing to do with them. 11You may be sure that such people are warped and sinful; they are self-condemned...14Our people must learn to devote themselves to doing what is good, in order to provide for urgent needs and not live unproductive lives.

JOURNAL 

It is so easy to become distracted, it is so easy to concern myself with things that I have no part in doing anything about. I think that is the gist of Paul's letter in this last chapter. We are saved and we are to take joy in that salvation. God has affirmed and we have accepted that he loves us and that we have a specific place, and purpose in this world. We are hear to do good...not to be caught up in useless arguments and quarrels. 

Often these are just ways to distract myself from the opportunities and problems in my own life...it's somewhat relieving to debate and discuss things that I cannot change, there is a strange comfort in that.  Yet it does nothing for me or anyone else. The realities of life sometimes are difficult to accept and embrace, it is in those moments that instead of finding distractions to occupy my mind, I need to lean into God's love and grace. 

By doing so I affirm that he wants me here, in this moment, with these problems. I affirm that he has endowed me with abilities and talents that will serve me well in this moment. I then am able to authentically be myself and love others in ways that are healthy and good. This really is the joy and goal of this life, anything else is a distraction that threatens to pull me away from my purpose. 

13Now all has been heard;

here is the conclusion of the matter:

Fear God and keep his commandments,

for this is the duty of all mankind.

14For God will bring every deed into judgment,

including every hidden thing,

whether it is good or evil.

ECCLESIASTES 12:13-14