It is only right

 

Luke 17:5-10 Pentecost XVII

 An increase in faith comes when we trust in the possibilities.  If we believe that we can, we most probably can.  If we look at the immensity of problems in the world and believe that affecting change is beyond us, then it is beyond us.  If we look at the impossible and decide to see it as possible, we may find that we have succeeded in making a difference, and if we decide to strive to move the immovable, then we are on our way to making a difference in the world around us.  One thing is for sure, if we do not believe that we can make a difference, we are right.  If we strive to make a difference, making a difference is possible.

 And obedience has its place.  We live in a world that is motivated only by getting credit for doing the right thing.  In politics, in our work, in society and in our families, we seem to be hung up on getting credit for doing the right thing.  We are called and commanded to do the right things, period.  It should be the bare minimum that we do the right thing, for doing the right thing IS the right reason for doing it.  Obedience to Jesus means that we heed Jesus’ command to actively commit to the well-being of others around us, especially the most vulnerable among us.  Under empire, Quid Pro Quo is the normative value, but in the Kingdom of God we are called to do the right thing without reward.  It is enough to live in covenant faithfully, for the reward is already given in God’s Grace and Love given to us.  We have the gift already.  The reward is in faithful relationship with the Lord.

 If we are called to be good stewards of the creation and do the impossible by preserving and protecting it from those who would waste, pollute and destroy it for their own gain in profit, then we will strive to do just that in faith, just because it is the right thing to do.  The reward will be life for all of God’s creation.  For that we need no credit.  We must do that.