Reflections From Sunday Evening

"If you know the good you ought to do and don't do it, it is sin." That's a bit of a paraphrase of James 4:17. Today we put this in a little different light. Rather than "ought" the idea may be put in an affirming way. We might say "Do the good you know you could." The story came from a college class where the assignment was to observe a teacher in the classroom. Sometime into the class session the teacher stepped out of the room and when she did a group of students locked her out! I was there to "observe". That was my assignment. At that point I had some options regarding what to do. I could join them. Imagine the stories a group of sophomore boys would have if a college student helped them lock their teacher out of the room. A second option was to observe. That was what the assignment was. That was the expectation. Why not sit back and watch, just observe. I could then go write my paper. The other option was to open the door. I did what any of you would do. I opened the door. In reflecting on that experience I learn something. I am capable of doing the good I know I could. I am the first to admit that I have not always followed through with that. I have missed the mark. I have failed. But the capability is there. That is our message for the church today. As we look upon the world and see all the needs and injustices that seem so prevalent we have options. Will we join with those who create circumstances that oppress and harm others? Will we "observe" deciding that it is not my problem. Or will we be the people of God who open doors? Look for the door that God is opening. Look for the door to open this week. Do the good you know you could. It's been a good day. I hope you've had a good day too. steve