Tuesday; August 18

           If things hadn’t been exciting enough over the past few months, they are about to really heat up.  As we continue to face issues like the pandemic and our social climate, we are about to add another layer of excitement with an upcoming presidential election – and who knows whatever else will raise it head in the next few weeks.  It is tempting to get wrapped around the axle about health, social and political issues, but how important are they?  Now, this might sound a bit odd – I mean this is pretty heady stuff that has quality of life implications – but sometimes I wonder if we invest more in these concerns than in those things that have an even more everlasting implication.  Yes, we need to do what we should do to ensure that we provide for others, but which is more important – their earthly well-being or their spiritual welfare?  What would happen if we were as fervent in presenting our spiritual perspectives as we are our political viewpoints?  How would our focus be changed if we showed the same concern for our neighbor’s spiritual health has we do their physical health? 
          Balancing earthly and eternal wellbeing has always been a chore.  In fact, even the early Christians had to be reminded, “The world is passing away, and also its lusts; but the one who does the will of God lives forever.” (I John 2:17).  Let’s be good neighbors and caring community members, but let’s also make sure we look out for the spiritual needs of the people around us.
          Think About It!

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