Scripture: 1 Peter 4:12-13
Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed.

Thought for the Day: Any spiritual journey is full of trials and tribulations. We shouldn’t be surprised when things go a little (or a lot) wonky on us. I think a lot of faithful people expect that once they open their hearts to God and turn their lives over to the Christ, that suddenly life is a bowl of pitted cherries. But spiritual growth is tough, and it takes as much work on our part as it does on God’s transformative power. I hear some of you out there thinking, “But isn’t that salvation by works, which Paul preaches against?” No, no it isn’t. This isn’t about salvation; it’s about changing the world here and now.

Somewhere along the road a lot of Christians have forgotten the teachings of Jesus and the struggles he and his followers went through to change the world they lived in—a very real struggle to overturn economic and political injustice. Christianity has become in large part about the afterlife—salvation, which I think is unfortunate. Jesus worked hard to get people thinking and acting differently in the here and now. He wanted people to find the intimate relationship with God that he had, and he wanted people to love each other unconditionally, as a reflection of God’s love for all creation.

As followers of Jesus, we’re called to continue the fight for justice, to bring about a more peaceful and equitable reality. Changing the world, which was Jesus’ ultimate purpose, does requires us to start thinking and acting differently. Any relationship requires both partners to act righteously. God’s doing God’s part. Are we doing ours?

Prayer: God of infinite memory, remind me that my relationship with you isn’t all about tomorrow, but rather about today. Use me to change the world—not because I expect a reward, but simply because I am a human, called to treat all other humans with respect, love, compassion, mercy, and justice. Amen.