With all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love. - Ephesians 4:2 NRSV
When the boys were little, we had a Friday night family movie tradition. During the week, we limited their TV time, so these movie nights were special. We would go to the video store (remember those?) and pick something out together. One of these movies was “Finding Nemo.” I can't remember much about the plotline, but I remember vividly a flock of seagulls screeching at each other, "Mine! Mine! Mine!"
In that one word, "Mine,” the seagulls voice the thinking of the world. Satan revels in self-worship and ego. It makes no difference to him who or what we worship as long as it's not God. Sin lies in inflated opinions, aggressiveness, impatience, fighting, and hatred. Those attributes counter to God.
To live righteously, as a community faith of and beacons of light to the world, we are called to be different. It is one of “Thine” instead of “Mine” -- God's will, not ours. The Godly value system is one of humility, gentleness, patience, and love. In that love is showing forgiveness and asking God and each other forgiveness when we are wrong, granting forgiveness even when unasked, and allowing ourselves to be forgiven.
Precious God, we give you thanks for the love you show us. We are thankful for your understanding and forgiveness. Please help today to become free of the mindset of "Mine.” Instead, help us demonstrate the attributes of righteousness to those around us. We ask this in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen.
Peace,
Pastor Tim
Here a link to that clip with the seagulls from “Finding Nemo.”
