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From the November Newsletter

 

 

 

As we approach the upcoming election, I am reminded of how many divisions our culture creates. Left and Right, Rich and Poor, Black and White, Indiana University and Perdue. And I admit that it is easy to be drawn into these dichotomies. To be drawn into playing judge, jury, and executioner. Deciding who is worthy and who is not. Even deciding for myself who is and who is not a Christian. 

 

But here is the reason that that type of thinking does not reflect the Kingdom of God. The Kingdom of God at its core is not about who we are, but rather whose we are. If God loves everyone (and I believe that is true), then no one is disqualified from entering into the Kingdom (even if I disagree with their choice of who they cheer for in college football).

 

When I find my heart bent toward trying to decide for myself good and evil, I often come back to this prayer attributed to St. Francis of Assisi

Lord, make me an instrument of your peace

Where there is hatred, let me sow love

Where there is injury, pardon

Where there is doubt, faith

Where there is despair, hope

Where there is darkness, light

And where there is sadness, joy

O Divine Master, grant that I may

Not so much seek to be consoled as to console

To be understood, as to understand

To be loved, as to love

For it is in giving that we receive

And it's in pardoning that we are pardoned

And it's in dying that we are born to eternal Life

Amen

 

Pastor Jesse Letourneau

Salem UCC, Westphalia, IN

Micah 6:8