Going regularly to church, you have to struggle against the ritual becoming routine. Listening to the Bible readings can become akin to listening to background music in an elevator or store. “Oh, I wasn’t paying attention.”
Yesterday many people heard Philippians 4:4-13. “Finally, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me – practice these things and the God of peace will be with you.”
Did you ever wonder why the crowds that sang “hosanna” to Jesus on Palm Sunday turned on Him by the end of the week? A nice Sunday Bible reading like Philippians easily goes bye-bye on Monday when we get back to the grind. Dietrich Bonhoeffer had the practice of meditating on one passage throughout the week so that wherever he was he had a word from God to make a difference in the day.
“Do not conform to the patterns of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is – His good, pleasing and perfect will.” (Romans 12:2)
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