"Sir, what are your orders?"

With an opening note of gratitude and appreciation to all of our veterans, we thank you for your service!

     After looking at the texts for today, and considering some of the themes, I considered it a bit comical that these verses are not favorites transferred onto signs and media posts. Read on and see what I mean.

1 Timothy 6:11-21 (New English Translation)
But you, as a person dedicated to God, keep away from all that. Instead pursue righteousness, godliness, faithfulness, love, endurance, and gentleness. Compete well for the faith and lay hold of that eternal life you were called for and made your good confession for in the presence of many witnesses. I charge you before God who gives life to all things and Christ Jesus who made his good confession before Pontius Pilate, to obey this command without fault or failure until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ —whose appearing the blessed and only Sovereign, the King of kings and Lord of lords, will reveal at the right time. He alone possesses immortality and lives in unapproachable light, whom no human has ever seen or is able to see. To him be honor and eternal power! Amen.

Command those who are rich in this world’s goods not to be haughty or to set their hope on riches, which are uncertain, but on God who richly provides us with all things for our enjoyment. Tell them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, to be generous givers, sharing with others. In this way they will save up a treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the future and so lay hold of what is truly life.

O Timothy, protect what has been entrusted to you. Avoid the profane chatter and absurdities of so-called “knowledge.” By professing it, some have strayed from the faith. Grace be with you all.

Reflection

     The second paragraph is ripe for the picking, isn't it?! Even if you use a softer word than command, it is still not likely to be well received. It is a well known fact that the rich prefer to stay rich and will use all their power to keep getting richer. It is also true that the wealthy and powerful don't like to be told what to do anymore than the rest of us. Generosity is nearly impossible if you are growing more and more proud and fond of what you have and all that you have accomplished. We also need to remember that we are rich. We possess much more than most of the world. This isn't just about "them."

     Of course, "command" also brings a great deal of good and bad with it. Good for those who chose to serve and fill a position or rank for the keeping of order. Bad with those who abuse their power and issue orders that only hurt and hinder, as well as those who have no right to wield inhumane control over another that they have enslaved. The good followers (soldiers, servants, citizens, etc.) illustrate the meaning of hard-working trust and respect. Sometimes, even well meaning leaders can issue a command that doesn't make sense. Do you know of a veteran that has shared a funny story about obeying orders even when they knew it would end comically? 

     Our veterans could teach us a great deal about obeying and following. Many of Jesus' teachings are met with a mild smile and the thought that it is inspirational, but little in the actual practice. We could do a better job following the order to be generous in giving.

Prayer

We praise you, O God, for watching over us all. Guide us to follow you more closely and to learn more practically what it means to share and give. Enlighten us in our service to your Way of love. Amen.