There is much more in these readings, but we might focus on the question of where we ourselves place our allegiance and loyalty. Who or what is ultimately in charge of our lives? Who or what do we depend on for our life and direction? We have two possible choices: we can completely turn our backs on God and reject who He is and what He asks of us. We can deny that Jesus has any power over us, that He has a word to say about who we are, and we can even deny that He exists. We can live in total independence of Him and live more or less comfortably on the level of things and the satisfaction that they give us. This self-centered isolation is what we call "sin," and Jesus will let us live that way, eternally, if that is what we want. Or we can be enthusiastic, can truly embrace our King and devote ourselves to Him, letting Him change our lives. Now we might also try to get by in a passive manner, just going with the crowd and getting along, but the author of Revelations says of people such as this that "I shall spit you out because you are neither hot nor cold" (3:16). Am I really satisfied with a life limited to consumer goods, the media, and corporal satisfactions? Is "passive" and "getting by" enough for me? Or do I want to consciously choose my life and my loves and be responsible for who I am? Will I take my life into my own hands --- and put it firmly into the hands of our King, our God's hands? |