You once were alienated and hostile in mind because of evil deeds; God has now reconciled you in the fleshly Body of Christ through his death, to present you holy, without blemish, and irreproachable before him, provided that you persevere in the faith, firmly grounded, stable...
Saint Paul nails it when he says, "You were once alienated and hostile in mind..." but I'd have to reply, "Well, actually, more than once."
Alienation and inner hostility result from the weariness of immoral, unhealthy, and foolish behavior. It can also creep into those who really try to be good, as they do good works, strive to satisfy every expectation, and please every critic. Our mechanized, industrial world is becoming dreadfully familiar with burnout.
Americans remember the legend of John Henry, the steel driver who pitted himself against a rock-drilling machine. If there is little historical facticity to the tale, it is nonetheless a hard fact of life: we're killing ourselves against the demands of mechanized systems that want more and more of our energy and time, our presence and substance.
When I was a kid I participated in a science fair and built a small, battery-powered electric motor (with Dad's help.) I expected to explain to fairgoers how the magnets pulled and pushed the armature, but I was unprepared for the whirring result. There was no explaining how fast and efficiently the crude machine worked. The arms spun faster than the eye could see and the push/pull was a single event.
The industrial revolution powered machines that worked faster, harder, and more efficiently than humans. But the same revolution organized hordes of men into armies that worked like machines as they slaughtered each other with machine-tooled guns, bombs, and chemicals.
The same impetus introduced Frederick Winslow Taylor's efficiency to assembly lines. His students, armed with clipboards, studied the fastest, most efficient workers and forced every other worker to copy them. If they suffered repetitive strain injuries, they were easily replaced.
Life was speeding up under the influence of measurements and machines; and efficiency displaced human values. Popular entertainment went mega with movies, radio and television; no one need endure the uncertainties of local theaters and local dance bands comprised of amateur musicians. Even the work of ministry is subject to the demand for faster, better, and bigger metrics. Televangelists adored by millions are far more attractive than the balding old fellows with their spectacles, unfortunate odors, and their hands always out for donations.
In this brave new world, alienation and hostility abound. Can anyone be surprised? We're tired and we're not going to take it anymore!
Those who want to be saved hear the Word of the Lord and turn to him with the simple question, "What should I do now?" We ask the Spirit of God to direct our desires, thoughts, beliefs, plans, and actions. We find freedom not in escape but in inspired engagement. If God so directs us, we remain in the chain gangs under the supervision of bean counters as we do God's work. We know this is where I belong, and this is what I should do. And leave the rest to God.
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I love to write. This blog helps me to meditate on the Word of God, and I hope to make some contribution to our contemplations of God's Mighty Works.
Ordinarily, I write these reflections two or three weeks in advance of their publication. I do not intend to comment on current events.
I understand many people prefer gender-neutral references to "God." I don't disagree with them but find that language impersonal, unappealing and tasteless. When I refer to "God" I think of the One whom Jesus called "Abba" and "Father", and I would not attempt to improve on Jesus' language.
You're welcome to add a thought or raise a question.