Luke 3:10-14
“What then should we do?” (v. 10).
I imagine each of us has experienced a time when we realized we needed to change. This recognition can develop over time or appear suddenly. Sometimes it comes with a sense of clarity, even a to-do list. But often, we feel uncertain about what comes next. We cannot see the path ahead of us. We want to do something, but we don’t know what.
“What then should we do?” the crowd asks John the baptizer. Interestingly, he doesn’t tell them to quit their day jobs. Instead he talks about the virtue of their character. He challenges the crowd to become more caring, loving, and truthful in all situations, with everyone, always. He gives concrete instructions on what to refrain from doing: don’t hoard what you have—share it; don’t be greedy—be honest; don’t use your position of power to threaten or accuse—be satisfied with what you have. Repentance and faithfulness take place within our ordinary days.
Compartmentalizing our faith from other parts of our lives is tempting. Yet the Spirit calls us to surrender all aspects of our lives so that Christ’s love and grace will flow through them. This radical trust impacts intimate relationships, work, finances, community involvement, and faithfulness in the body of Christ.
My friend meets with an accountability group to consider difficult questions: How is your prayer life going? Where have you felt distant from God? How are you living as God has called you to live? How are you being Christ’s presence in your work, in your family, and in your church? Does the way you spend your money reflect God’s priorities?
Hard questions challenge us to be faithful. So what should we do? Change our hearts. Allow Christ’s Spirit to live in all our relationships.
Consider
What areas of your life have you kept closed to Christ’s Spirit? How does your life reflect the love and grace that Jesus showed us?
Pray
God, may I view each moment as a chance to live your way of love. Amen.